Review: SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Diamond Head Theatre

A 'musical': this canonical term within the world of theatre sets the foundation for-yes, a musical-Something Rotten! Extremely meta-theatrical, self-aware, and imbued with satire, Diamond Head Theatre's (DHT) latest production of the Broadway hit finds itself galvanizing its audience with uproarious laughter due to its talented cast and witty plot and dialogue, in addition to its other praise-worthy features including its choreography, hair and makeup design, costumes, and musical direction.

The story follows Nick Bottom (Kevin Pease) and Nigel Bottom (Ryan Dressel), brothers, both playwrights, awaiting the genesis of their next literary feature. Whenever they capture an idea, a fellow named William Shakespeare just so happens to beat them to that idea. Feeling anxious about trying to be one step ahead about the highly adulated bard (played by Aleks Pevek), Nick seeks a prognostication from a whimsical, simpleton-like "wizard", Thomas Nostradamus (Garrett Hols), who foretells of the future of theatre in general: a 'musical', a concept no one has ever heard of in the context of the 16th century. Thus embarks the hallmark number "A Musical", delightfully dovetailed with references to musicals of the show's "future". Some notable ones off the top of my head include Chicago, Annie, West Side Story, and Hello, Dolly!. Part of the fun of this show includes---after this number---throughout the rest of the show a slew of references to other musicals such as Mary Poppins, Cats, The Music Man, et al. The remainder of the show becomes a farcical delight of impasses and dilemmas of self-identities in order to mount the much-awaited musical.

As always, director John Rampage mustered a top-notch cast of DHT regulars and newcomers, all of whom markedly embody their characters. At the foreground are Pease and Dressel, both marvelous in their---if I'm not mistaken---first leading roles on the DHT stage, both of whom shine and hold their own amidst the appearances of 'Shooting Stars' alumnus Peveks, who played in the entirety of the original Broadway show's run. While these three leads certainly are bewitching to watch, praise also goes to the featured actors, many of whom leave just as strong as an impression as the aforementioned. As Nostrademus, per usual, Hols cleverly embodies his role. He has become a staple to the theatre as such a character actor, having previously performed in grandiose roles, namely Lord Farquaad (Shrek the Musical), and the D'Ysquith Family (A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder), and his hallmarks continue to joyfully subvert the typecasts sometimes found within the recurring actors on the DHT stage. Furthermore, as Portia, Kyla Blase makes a pleasant return to the DHT stage as Nigel's love interest, serving as one of the two "hearts" of the show, in addition to Megan Ellis as Bea, Nick's wife. Both of these females command their scenes and provide a sense of vulnerability amidst the show's consistent comedy. And while the show takes place in the 16th century, there are notable feminist elements like that of Bea's constant pleas and seeking of work and a progressive society, in addition to Portia's deviation from a wholly Puritan lifestyle in order to fulfill what she herself wants for her life as opposed to acquiescing to the demands of her pastor-father. These six actors, in addition to many others, truly carry the show and all shine in their individual parts.

Furthermore, while the costume design (by Karen G. Wolfe) and musical direction (by Ike Webster) are stellar as usual, but what was also noticeably striking this time around was the hair design by Linda Lockwood, relatively new to DHT. This aspect of DHT's shows don't always get readily noticed or recognized, but in the case of Something Rotten! it is an element of the show that specifically adds to its splendor and enjoyment. Furthermore, Rampage's choreography is impressive, and it is especially impressive how most of the cast is able to so precisely remember all of the meticulous choreography seen throughout the show.

Overall, Something Rotten! is a fantastic addition to this season's already impressive collection of shows. From the outstanding cast, to the delightful choreography, musical direction, hair design, and costumes, Something Rotten! is certainly not a show to miss! 808-733-0274.

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