Reviews: Something Rotten! at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
Written by Michael Yasser of West Springfield High School
In a world where poetry is power and applause is everything, there stands a glittering kingdom of art, ego, and aggressively confident men in tights. A time of culture, creativity, and one wildly celebrated playwright who seems to win at absolutely everything. The stages are crowded, the critics are ruthless, and if your quill isn't producing brilliance, it's producing panic. St. Andrew's Episcopal School invites you to step into this chaotic, dazzling world. Welcome to the Renaissance - may your rhymes be clever and your rivals slightly less talented than you!
Premiering on Broadway in 2015, Something Rotten! is a zany and delightfully over-the-top musical comedy with music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Kary Kirkpatrick and a book by John O'Farrell and Kary Kirkpatrick. Quickly earning praise for its clever writing and raucous humor, the show went on to receive ten Tony Award nominations - including Best Musical. The show follows the hapless Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, two struggling playwrights desperate to compete with the legendary and impossibly confident William Shakespeare in London's cutthroat theatre scene. After visiting a... questionable soothsayer who predicts that the future of theatre is "musicals," they set out to create the world's first one, facing outrageous setbacks and ridiculous misunderstandings. As they race to beat the Bard at his own game, their plan spirals into chaos, and nobody - not even Nostradamus - can predict how it will all unfold.
Adam Grumet brought a strong range of emotions and full commitment to Nick, capturing his desperation, as well as his humor. Portraying the older brother, his relationship with his younger brother Nigel, played by Sinjin Bromer, felt genuinely warm and supportive. Bromer's Nigel was delightfully awkward in the teenage-esque romance with Portia, portrayed by Catherine Freytag, creating a chemistry that made the audience's hearts melt with every interaction. Grumet also shared terrific chemistry with many characters, making the ensemble feel lively and connected.
Cameron Best's Nostradamus was a show-stealer, bursting onto the stage with infectious energy and unwavering commitment. His presence during numbers like "A Musical" was magnetic, drawing all eyes and elevating the number with both comedic timing and impressive vocal skill. Best demonstrated remarkable versatility, effortlessly shifting between booming bass notes and light, expressive vibrato. Best's performance combined physical humor, charisma, and vocal brilliance, making Nostradamus one of the most memorable and electrifying parts of the show.
The set team, led by Lila Segal and George Lippard along with the SR Scenic Artists and Build Crew, created three versatile set pieces that opened into different environments, two of which transformed into the "stage" where the Bottoms' troupe performed and rehearsed, while the third revealed the Bottoms' house. Their work also included an eye-catching LED sign for Shakespeare's party that read "We Love Will," as well as a clever lighting effect on the fireplace in the Bottoms' house, which added warmth and texture to the Bottoms' abode. The lighting team, led by Eliad Adu, Ava Scafide, Gavin Siegel, with the Follow Spot Operators, elevated the production with vibrant and carefully coordinated color motifs with different colors representing different characters or emotions. Moments like the tap-off between Shakespeare and Nick Bottom during "Bottom's Gonna Be On Top" were given an extra punch through the split-colored stage, giving the show an extra visual flair.
St. Andrew's Episcopal School's production of Something Rotten! was touched with energy and humor, bringing the Bottom brothers' chaotic quest to life, and it asks the question, "what could be more amazing than a musical?"
Written by Clare O'Connell of Georgetown Visitation
From prophetic omelettes to tap-dancing playwright rivalries, St. Andrew's Episcopal School's production of Something Rotten! cracked its egg with unapologetic Broadway bravado. Packed with jazz hands, Elizabethan angst, and more musical theatre references than a drama kid's Spotify playlist, this show embraced parody with fearless flair.
Crafted by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell, with music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick, Something Rotten! follows the beleaguered Bottom brothers as they attempt to outshine the Renaissance's reigning rock star, William Shakespeare. In this production, the quest for theatrical greatness was less about subtlety and more about spectacle, as Nostradamus predicts the future of theatre and accidentally invents musicals.
Nick Bottom, played by Adam Grumet, anchored the show with committed character work. Grumet leaned into Nick's desperation with clear motivation and grounded acting choices, creating a believable foil to the larger-than-life personalities around him. As Nigel Bottom, Sinjin Bromer brought sweetness and sincerity to the role. His portrayal highlighted Nigel's romantic heart, especially opposite Catherine Freytag's Portia, whose pleasant vocals and gentle chemistry made their storyline genuinely charming amid the chaos.
The chaos, of course, was often driven by Caiseal Corkran's role of Shakespeare. Corkran infused the Bard with swagger and athleticism, delivering sharp comedic timing and impressive dance technique. The tap-heavy showdown between Shakespeare and Nick was a particular highlight, showcasing energetic footwork and a playful rivalry that energized the audience. Corkran's physical command of the stage made Shakespeare's celebrity status feel entirely justified.
Yet it was Cameron Best's Nostradamus who truly stole the spotlight. With wildly expressive physicality and a powerhouse vocal performance, Best transformed every prophecy into an event. His kooky hair and exaggerated "vision" gestures amplified the absurdity of predicting jazz hands centuries early. In numbers like "A Musical," his comedic precision paired with resonant vocals created one of the production's strongest moments. The show's grand kick line at the end of "A Musical" brought the house down, a loving spoof of Broadway spectacle that the cast executed with confidence.
Supporting roles added depth and delight. Matty Beale's Robin utilized inventive physical comedy in nearly every appearance, earning consistent laughter. Aarian Arora's Brother Jeremiah impressed with strong vocals in "We See the Light," grounding the humor with musical clarity. The Acting Troupe ensemble shone brightest during the extravagantly staged numbers about the Black Death and omelettes, embracing heightened parody with infectious commitment. The egg costumes in "Make an Omelette" exemplified the production's willingness to lean fully into theatrical absurdity.
The technical elements supported the ambition of the production. The set, designed by Lila Segal and George Lippard, made excellent use of limited space. With reversible elements, a built-in fireplace, and lighted signage, the design allowed for swift scene transitions while maintaining visual interest. The multifunctional structure cleverly adapted to the show's many locales. Costumes by Alexandra Boehm, Chelsea Lin, Isla Shannon, and Alex Valdivia effectively distinguished Puritans, playwrights, and performers. The reversible Puritan capes proved particularly inventive, reinforcing the show's theme of transformation. Lighting, designed by Eliad Adu, Ava Scafide, and Gavin Siegel, demonstrated intentional storytelling choices, including pink washes for romantic scenes and a red, white, and blue finale that underscored the musical's tongue-in-cheek patriotism. Stage management, led by Peter Cavanaugh and Ava Scafide, guided the ambitious production through its many transitions.
Ultimately, St. Andrew's Episcopal School's Something Rotten! did not shy away from its own theatrical excess. With a spirited cast, inventive design, and a clear love for musical theatre history, this production proved that sometimes the best way forward is to invent something completely ridiculous and then add a kick line!