Review: 'Something Rotten' Delivers Pure Spectacle

"Something Rotten" is an irreverent comedy musical in the style of 'The Book of Mormon" and "Spamalot" – an excuse for lots of hijinks, silly puns, and broad characterizations. The Community Players now have taken a go at it, and the result is jolly good fun.

In London circa 1595, brothers Nick (John K. McElroy) and Nigel Bottom (Christopher Margadonna) are struggling playwrights. Nick is brash and determined to triumph over William Shakespeare, who has a flock of devoted fanboys and (girls) cherishing his every word.

The more gentle and introverted Nigel hides his admiration of Shakespeare from Nick and falls for Portia (Stephanie Whipple), the daughter of religious fundamentalist Brother Jeremiah (a wickedly funny Mitchell Burns), who rails about sexual immorality in theater.
In desperation, Nick consults a soothsayer, Nostradamus, who predicts a new theatrical sensation called a musical. The two Bottoms then wrack their brains to come up with a musical which will captivate the masses.

I should note the plot of "Something Rotten" is completely absurd. Nick and Nigel borrow so many elements from Shakespeare that it's amazing they weren't sued for plagiarism.

The book is by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O' Farrell with music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick. The threadbare premise is made palatable by the high energy of this production and the talent of the performers, under the solid direction of Joan Dillenback ("Assassins"). McElroy and Margadonna make for an entertaining team and display sharp comic timing and soulful vocals. McElroy delivers a rousing "To Thine Own Self."

Greg Gillis is hysterically amusing as the bearded Nostradamus, who references many popular Broadway musicals in "A Musical," a real showstopper. Ryan James Gorman plays the buffoonish Lord Clapham, who is mortified when Nick spoils the ending of "Romeo and Juliet." Bill Sikov masterfully delivers Jewish slang as the financier Shylock.

Rebecca Kilcline ("Godspell") is appealing and sympathetic as Bea, Nick's devoted wife. Bea has to contend with her husband's casual sexism as she vows to go out and get a job. Tyler Rebello, sporting black leather pants, proved to be a charismatic Shakespeare, preening to the delight of his devotees.

The orchestra, conducted by Joe Carvalho, provides terrific accompaniment to the musical performances. Merrie Whitney and Pamela Jackson's costumes are colorful and reflect the diverse personalities of the characters. The medieval set designs are by C. Richard Koster.

What "Something Rotten" delivers is pure spectacle. The choreography by Julia Gillis works amazingly well, even when the performers are dressed up as eggs. McElroy and Margadonna in particular, show real star quality, and made this production an absolute delight.

The Community Players have really stepped up their game recently, with the fabulous "9 to 5: The Musical" last year and now this superlative production.

"Something Rotten" runs through April 30. The Community Players. Jenks Auditorium. 350 Division Street, Pawtucket, RI. For tickets, visit thecommunityplayers.net.