Review by Jane Smith, Front Row Reviewers
Head on over to the Empress Theatre in Magna where you will find something deliciously funny in their newest production, Something Rotten. You’ll find yourself transported back to 1595 and are met with the ensemble and the incredibly talented Minstrel (Makayla Porter), with lute in tow, singing to us about brothers Nick (Sonny Payne) and Nigel Bottom (Jonas Stone). These two run a theater troupe and are currently in the throes of rehearsing for their upcoming play Richard II. When Lord Clapham (Stratford Healey), their only patron, enters and informs them that Shakespeare (Bradley Barker) has already done Richard III, Nick is furious and Lord Clapham tells them that he will withdraw his patronage if they don’t come up with a new play quickly. Upon returning home, Nick encounters Shylock the Jew (Raiden Yocom) who offers to be a patron for the play. However, Nick turns him away as it is illegal to employ a Jew.
Once in the Bottom household, we meet Bea (Taylore Cahoon), Nick’s wife. She expresses how she wants to help them out so badly and contribute money to their money box, and despite Nick’s arguments- she does just that. As Nigel sleeps, Nick leaves singing one of the show’s best songs, “God, I Hate Shakespeare,” and stumbles upon soothsayer Thomas Nostradamus (Caden Terry). When Nick enquires what the next big thing will be, Thomas explains it will be a musical, in a hilarious song conveniently titled “A Musical.” While Nick is off figuring out how to do this next big thing, Nigel, the sweet and talented writer, meets Portia (Eliza White), the daughter of Brother Jeremiah (Taylor Brooks) a Puritan. Though their love is forbidden, they fall for each other over their love of poetry and end up at a party held by The Bard himself, who is intrigued by Nick’s writings and is determined to steal them for his own, even if his plan means going undercover and disguising himself to be in the Bottom’s troupe. Something Rotten asks the questions: What does Nostradamus see? Is Shakespeare a fraud? Will the Bottom Brothers ever find success? Be set for a cracking good time that will have you craving eggs along the way.
This pun-filled musical, with its great historical setting and hilarious book and songs, is one that will have you holding your sides from laughing. With an incredibly built ensemble who keep the energy high the entire time (seriously what are they drinking backstage and can I have some?), choreographed by genius Hannah Sanders-Smith, you will find yourself busting a move in your seats. The way they cleverly incorporate so many classic Broadway songs and quips is something everyone should behold. The ensemble really blew us all away with their blended vocals and Something Rotten darts through the theater at a wonderfully delightful pace.
Payne and Stone as Nick and Nigel Bottom are the most perfectly cast brothers I’ve ever seen. The way they banter together, hold each other accountable, argue, and support one another is true to how a strong and healthy sibling relationship can be. It is warm and believable and its authenticity gives the audience a better understanding of this special familial bond. Payne’s vocals are absolutely incredible and his dance off with Shakespeare will have you completely in awe. Stone’s way of being completely lovable and humble is charming, we are rooting for his heart and his courage throughout the performance.
Barker’s William Shakespeare channels the swagger of Mick Jagger, the talent of Elvis Presley and the complete hysteria of The Beatles. Before he even enters the stage, he has been hyped by the ensemble. Wow, what an entrance he brings to the Empress’s stage. Barker puts all his moves to good use. His vocals are truly incredible, and will have you completely hypnotized. Barker’s ability to be the villain we all love is comedic brilliance. He proves that even though it’s “Hard to be the Bard”, he has the Shakespearean chops to perfectly execute it.
Cahoon’s Bea is a complete treat for the stage. She brings such great female empowerment to her character, and dedication and love for her home. Cahoon’s strength in her voice is exquisite and will have you falling in love with her. Her song “Right Hand Man” shows her amazing range. White as Portia brings softness and naivety to her performance and we love to see the growth and determination in her character as she follows her heart in both love and word. Terry as the absolutely hysterical character Thomas Nostradamus is one that will have you coming back for more. From the way he walks, dresses, dances, and sings, the audience found themselves constantly wanting more. Anytime he entered the stage, you knew you were in for hilarity. “A Musical” is remarkable, a crowd favorite. Terry keeps in character the whole time, while we are howling with laughter from our seats.
Director Kylee Larsen has produced something truly magical with this production. Alongside Musical Director Aaron Eversen, they keep the audience totally engaged. The costumes created by Larsen, Lisa Shortridge, and Emma Cornelius are appropriate to the time period but the added flare to them is brilliant- especially Shakespeare’s sexy rock star duds. It keeps us in the Renaissance but with some modern-day pizzazz. Ashley Loewer brings a sizzling good ensemble with the eggs and omelets costumes–yum! Lighting design and Tech by Kayla Martin and Jenny Cannon keep our attention on what’s happening in this quick-moving musical. The set by Kylee Shortridge is delightfully executed and while simple, is wholly effective. The Tudor style construction is brilliant at helping us keep us in the time period.
Something Rotten at the Empress Theatre is loaded with puns and hilarity that will keep you rocking out the whole way home. It is filled with egg-citement, and this egg-ceptional performance will give you a cracking good time.
The Empress Theatre presents Something Rotten. Book by Karen Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karen Kirkpatrick.
The Empress Theatre, 9104 2700 S, Magna, UT 84044
October 4th- 19th 2024, Thursday- Saturday 7:30 PM
Tickets: $25
Contact: 801-347-7373, empress@empresstheatre.com
The Empress Theatre Facebook Page
Note: This show contains adult language, mature humor and sexual references and may not be suitable for younger patrons.
Photos by @sunshinestudios.photography
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