Something Rotten Tickets

Without a doubt, Something Rotten! is one of the most exhilarating musicals to hit Broadway in recent years. Variety has praised the musical, which received a standing ovation not only at the end, but also midway through the first act. The delightful story of Something Rotten! takes the audience back to the 1590s, during the Renaissance, when two brothers conceive what becomes the first ever musical in the history of theatre. With creative minds like Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick, John O’Farrell and Casey Nicholaw, Something Rotten! stands out from its contemporaries on Broadway.

The story of Something Rotten! is a must-watch for audiences who enjoy comedy and/or history. When the curtains open, we find two brothers, Nigel and Nick Bottom, trying to come up with a play that would elevate their status in the theatre world. But unfortunately, all their efforts are overshadowed by the charisma of the theatre giant known simply as ‘The Bard’.

The brothers hear of a prophecy by a local fortune teller, that in the coming decades, theatre would encompass everything from acting, dancing and singing. Determined to be the pioneers of showbiz, the Bottom Brothers set out to write history by introducing the world to the first ever musical. But all is not as easy as it seems, for Nigel and Nick are creating something that no one has heard of or seen before. Among the challenges and struggles of being the innovators of the musical, the brothers realize that the only way to succeed in the harsh world of glamour and show is to stay true to themselves.

What makes Something Rotten! a huge success on Broadway is the innovative creative team. The music and lyrics for the musical are penned by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick; Karey is a renowned screenwriter and director in Hollywood, having worked on The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Chicken Run, Charlotte’s Web, and James and the Giant Peach, while Wayne is a songwriter who has collaborated with hit music artists such as Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Wynonna Judd, Garth Brooks, Little Big Town, and Eric Clapton. The book for Something Rotten! is co-written by Karey Kirkpatrick and British comedy scriptwriter and author John O’Farrell, whose contributions to the political history of the British Isles, BBC, and scriptwriting for popular animated movies have been highly praised by critics and contemporaries. Finally, the musical is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, who is also responsible for Broadway showstoppers such as The Drowsy Chaperone, Monty Python’s Spamalot, and The Book of Mormon.

The star-studded cast of Something Rotten! includes a number of big names that have been creating waves on Broadway and off-Broadway for decades. The protagonist, Nick Bottom, is played by Brian d’Arcy James, who has been nominated for the Tony Awards multiple times, including for this performance. His on-stage brother, Nigel Bottom, is portrayed by John Cariani, who received a nomination for his role in Fiddler on the Roof. The role of ‘The Bard’ goes to the charismatic Christian Borle, who won accolades for Peter and the Starcatcher. Other notable actors include Peter Bartlett, Heidi Blickenstaff, Kate Reinders, and Brad Oscar.

Something Rotten! is being staged at the prestigious St. James Theatre on Broadway. Since its world premiere, the musical has been attracting theatregoers, critics, and enthusiastic audiences who love a good hearty laugh. With its Renaissance setting, hilarious script, and brilliant acting, this play has something for everyone. So grab your Something Rotten! tickets and enjoy the show!