By Eliza Een
The Midvale Arts Council welcomed Front Row Reviewers and the rest of the audience to the Renaissance in its performance of Something Rotten (written by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell with music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick). This show follows the story of two imagined Shakespeare contemporaries, Nick and Nigel Bottom, who are fighting to keep up with the fame and writing prowess of the Bard. In an attempt to get ahead, Nick Bottom visits a soothsayer, who predicts that the next big thing in theatre will be . . . musicals! The soothsayer goes one step further and hints at Shakespeare’s most successful play, and Nick dives headfirst into incorporating all of the jumbled predictions into one production: Omelette the Musical. Nick’s brother and writing partner, Nigel, is understandably skeptical and tries to convince Nick to let him write from the heart. Nigel’s poetic struggles find a sympathetic ear in a fellow Shakespeare fan, Portia, who is the daughter of a puritan zealot. After many twists and turns, and even more references to Shakespeare’s published works and modern-day musicals, the Bottoms learn to rely on each other and be true to themselves.
He might say it’s “Hard to be the Bard,” but James Carter fills the role with a confidence and flair that radiate off him naturally. Carter’s stage presence makes him the center of attention in all of Shakespeare’s scenes, to the awe or exasperation of the other characters. His commitment to the role and big theatrical moments is one of many highlights in the show, and I was tempted to shout “Will power!” along with the ensemble.
Nick Bottom (Zac Freeman) is a protective and loving brother and husband, which we clearly see in Freeman’s impassioned interactions with his costars. It’s a role that requires a lot of confidence, and I was very impressed with Freeman’s performance, especially as he works through the character arc in letting go of some of his pride and learning to lean on the strengths of those close to him.
Playing the lovably naïve and awkward younger brother, Nigel, is JT Kaufman. With the heart of a poet, Kaufman shares his passions with others to mixed reactions from characters within the show. As an audience member, there was no doubt that I was rooting for Kaufman to stand up to his brother and chase his dreams.
Nostradamus, the overconfident soothsayer and benign conman, is played by Jim Dale. He helps the comedy shine through the twisted breakfast predictions and musical references in the show. Seeing Dale’s extravagant Nostradamus contrasting with Freeman’s stoic Nick added another delightful layer of comedy.
Bea Bottom (Jessie Kranz) is the strong, independent woman supporting her husband, Nick, throughout the show. Her strength and character shine through in her musical numbers, especially “Right Hand Man.” This is my favorite song from the show overall, and Kranz knocked it out of the park with her performance and range.
Connor Evans/Logan Stacey (Brother Jeremiah) have the difficult job of portraying a stern character that accidentally sets himself up as the butt of many jokes and comments that mortify his conservative sensibilities. It’s hilarious. Evans’s stature certainly help him to intimidate others in the show, and the drawling accent is a really fun characterization.
Portia (Katherine Tietjen), the sheltered lover of poetry, is the other half of the sweet romance with Kaufman’s Nigel. Her range of emotion and adoration for Shakespeare is only equal to her excitement at hearing her beaux’s new compositions. With The Little Mermaid fresh in my mind this month, I saw many connections to Portia’s storyline as a young woman with an overprotective father, who is finding new love and purpose in a world she’s just beginning to discover. Tietjen’s energetic performance had me rooting for her the whole show.
The show’s ensemble (Dusti Bagley, Alayna Bria, Kailee Brown, Beth Moulton, Jana Wilhite, Connor Welch, Sterling McDonald, Josh Rogers, Matty Boyd, Ben Tutor, Danny Eggers) moves between genres with the speed and consistency of, well, making an omelet. This versatile cast transitions between new costumes and characters as Shakespeare fans, members of the acting troupe, modern musical backup dancers, and tap-dancing foodstuffs. The musical numbers throughout the show give each ensemble member a moment to shine and inject specific characterizations and motivations into their roles, which elevates the overall production quality and makes it truly egg-celent.
The head crew members supporting this production include head choreographer Tanaya Ropp, set designer Robert Roundy, hair and makeup artist Meighan Page, and costumer Lauri Baird. These elements and all of the work going on backstage kept the scenes and transitions on track throughout the show, from quaint renaissance town to big Broadway production.
Like Shakespeare’s own works, Something Rotten includes many crass references and innuendos throughout the show that are more appropriate for teens and adults. For a summer night of fun and flamboyance, especially during Pride month, head over to Midvale and remember—to thine own self be true!
A review by Front Row Reviewers
The Midvale Arts Council presents Something Rotten by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell
Midvale Performing Arts Center, 695 West Center St (7720 South) Midvale, Utah 84047
June 2–10, 2023 at 7:30 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays (June 10 matinee 2:00 PM)
Tickets: general admission $10, students and seniors $8 (special discount for Midvale residents)
Contact Midvale Performing Arts Center: 385-313-0278
Midvale Performing Arts Facebook Page
Midvale Arts council Website
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