Gracing the stage at the Carroll Arts Center this weekend is a thoroughly entertaining, hilarious, and delightfully chaotic production of Something Rotten! presented by Small Town Stars Theatre Company. Something Rotten!, first performed in 2015, is a modern musical comedy that focuses on two brothers competing with THE William Shakespeare as they work to create the world’s first musical… in the 1590s. With a blend of many musical references and styles that theatre-going audiences will recognize alongside a fast-moving and comedic script, the show is a strong foundation for the talented production team and cast of Small Town Players to shine.

 

Starting the show off strong is soloist Zakiyah Grayson as the Minstrel with in the first song, “Welcome to Renaissance.” From the start, it is clear this cast is filled with strong solo and ensemble singers as Grayson beautifully riffs overtop the group and the ensemble blends well and establishes the energy needed for the next couple hours. Throughout the show, the ensemble and group numbers are well-sung with balanced and clear harmonies, expertly-danced with energy and precision, and energetically-acted with comedic timing and physicality. The Bottoms’ Troupe sings and moves as a cohesive unit in their songs, like “The Black Death” and “To Thine Own Self.” The talent of the full ensemble, as well as the hard work of music director George Smith and choreographer Abigail Weinel, are on prominent display during company numbers, like “Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top” and “A Musical.” Choreography by Abigail Weinel appropriately matched the dramatic and quick changes in style in the music, and impressive tap numbers, like “A Musical,” show off the choreographer’s range and cast’s abilities as every era of Broadway imaginable is showcased and intertwined with ease.

 

Director Miranda Secula-Rosell has expertly led a strong cast and creatively clever production team in taking on such a massive project and successfully presenting it. Efficient set design, combined with smart lighting choices, create quick scene changes as the show takes us from the theater to the town walls to the Bottom home (complete with a lit stove!) Costumes, designed by the team of Secula-Rosell and Weinel, were effective in establishing the Renaissance-era style while also dazzling audiences with iconic characters from well-known musicals and more modern-era costumes when needed. Sound Designer Savanna Wright deserves all the credit of balancing so many vocalists and the musical tracks so audiences can clearly hear the fast-moving lyrics while also enjoying the beautifully blended harmonies. Lighting Designer Robert Miller adds to the show with beautiful and creative uses of color to take the audiences between the real and the imaginary and smart choices to focus attention in on key moments of the show. Holding it all together is Stage Manager Grace Wantz, who has ensured that the multitude of prop, costume, and set changes are efficient and successful so the momentum of the show is never lost.

 

As equally impressive as the ensemble and technical aspects of the show is the individual performances in Something Rotten!. As Nick Bottom, Marshall Gibbs’s physical, vocal, and emotional presence is standout from the second he enters the stage, and his disdain for THE bard is clear and consistent throughout his song, “God I Hate Shakespeare.” His crisp and clear articulations make this fast-moving score easily understood throughout the hall, and his physical comedy is superb. Bringing the ‘heart’ of the show is the younger Bottom brother, Nigel. Incredibly successful and endearing in the role, Jay McKinnon brings a softness and honesty that has the audience rooting for them from the beginning, and their effortless vocals float above the ensemble from the start.

 

Amanda Polanowski shines as Nick’s steadfast and dedicated wife, Bea, with an acting prowess that is just as strong as her character’s! Her precise vocals and technique are on prominent display as she patters through the song “Right Hand Man.” Puritan Portia, acted sweetly by Jordan Wheeler. Her voice is equally as sweet in her duet with McKinnon, “I Love the Way,” as they harmonize and embody young love perfectly. As the future-seer Nostradamus, Ethan Brown is over the top and eccentric, and his comedic timing and physical and vocal choices add to the delightful chaos of the character. A highlight of this production, this Nostradamus can see the future, make you laugh, AND sing his tail off (as shown in the show-stopping number, “A Musical”). 

 

As THE bard, William Shakespeare, an equally charismatic Will Brown takes the stage with a fervor and energy required of a celebrity from the first beat of his entrance number, “Will Power.” Oozing with charm and confidence, Brown commands attention whenever he is present on stage and does the character justice. His consistent accents and comedic choices were a highlight of the production.  

 

The other company members take full advantage of their time in the spotlight. Charles Martin, as producer Shylock, adds to the comic cacophony with his strong character voice and choices. Trevor Dillian-Lynas is intimidating in all that he does in his portrayal of Brother Jeremiah, the Puritan antithesis to poetry and theatre. As Dawn Bott’s Lady Clapham is full of bravado, and Elena White and Josh Franz’s cameo solo parts were hilarious. Dance highlights from Jack Patterson, Dani Rizzo, and James Miller were outstanding in company and tap numbers, and the trio could always be counted on to bring high energy to the show when on stage. Rounding out the ensemble are Collin Graham, Emily Tanis, and Jules Barrett who all sang and moved well while also adding to the scenes with funny lines, expressive reactions, and strong physical comedy.

 

Full of laughs, nods to theatre eras past and present, show-stopping numbers, savvy technical design, and an extremely talented cast, Small Town Stars Theatre Company’s incredible production of Something Rotten! should not be missed. 

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission

 

Something Rotten! will have four performances on October 3rd (7pm), October 4th (2pm and 7pm) and October 5th (2pm) at the Carroll Arts Center — 91 W Main St., Westminster, MD 21157. Tickets can be purchased on their website.