Review: SOMETHING ROTTEN Delights at VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The weather has been dreary and we could all use a few hours of laughter in our lives. Right now, you are on your phone or your computer, reading this review. Pause and just go ahead and buy your tickets now to see the national tour of SOMETHING ROTTEN at the Schuster Center before it leaves Dayton after this week's performances. You will not be disappointed.

SOMETHING ROTTEN (Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick and Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell) is the tale of two brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom are forlorn playwrights living in the shadow of their generation's theatrical rock star, William Shakespeare. Determined to outshine Shakespeare but with the odds against them, they hook up with a local soothsayer and set out to write the world's first musical.

This musical is so much fun, particularly for those that are fans of Shakespeare and/or musicals. Even if you aren't a fan of either, there is plenty to make you laugh. The dialogue and lyrics are extremely clever and will leave you humming after you leave and wanting to stop in the lobby and purchase the soundtrack on your way out.

Adam Pascal is perfectly in his element as the sneaky Shakespeare, with his best number, "It's Hard to be the Bard". Anyone who has followed his musical theatre career, from RENT to CHESS, will not be disappointed in his performance here. His stage presence is mesmerizing and I thoroughly enjoyed every second.

Rob McClure played the desperate playwright, Nick Bottom, to perfection. HIs chemistry was electric with all of his scene partners, especially with Blake Hammond as Nostradamus which is most evident in the spectacular number, "A Musical". I am not sure I have ever laughed quite so much. The audience is also treated to the sweet subplot of romance between Josh Grisetti as Nigel and Autumn Hurlburt as Portia, which reaches its pinnacle in their big number, "We See the Light".

The ensemble of this show is among the strongest I have ever seen in a National Tour. With the exception of a slight microphone mishap on opening night, everything flowed perfectly. Costumes by Gregg Barnes, were particularly beautiful and along with the scenic design by Scott Pask and Lighting Design by Jeff Croiter, the colors on stage were so vibrant and fun. On top of everything, there is plenty of tap dancing (my favorite), choreographed perfectly by Director/Choreographer Casey Nicholaw.

You still have five chances to get out to see this show. Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM and Sunday at 7:30 PM. Tickets start at $26 and are on sale now at Ticket Center Stage, located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center, by phone at 937-228-3630 or toll-free at 888-228-3630, or online at Ticketcenterstage.com . If you call or go to the box office, military discounts are available as are ½ off student tickets on the day of the performance. At 1 PM on Saturday prior to the matinee, you can also attend a Background on Broadway session to learn more about the history of the show and what goes into the performances.

Photo Credit: www.RottenBroadway.com

To post a comment, you must register and login.