SOMETHING ROTTEN Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell Music and Lyrics by Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick
Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, SOMETHING ROTTEN. Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, SOMETHING ROTTEN was lauded by audience members and critics alike, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed by Time Out New York as “the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years”. Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz!
Nick Bottom Baritone, Ambitious and frustrated playwright. The older Bottom brother who is determined to make his mark. He is desperate to outdo Shakespeare and create the next big thing in theater. Strong comedic timing and confident vocals required. Nigel Bottom Tenor, Nick’s sweet, awkward younger brother. A hopeless romantic with a poet’s soul. Nigel represents the artistic side of theater, contrasting with Nick’s more mercenary approach. Strong singer and emotionally grounded actor.
William Shakespeare Rock Tenor, The rock star of the Renaissance. Flashy, self-absorbed, and charismatic. While he's undeniably talented, he is also self-centered and somewhat pretentious. Think Mick Jagger meets Freddie Mercury.
Nostradamus Tenor/High Baritone, A wacky, slightly off prophet who foresees the future of musical theater. Comedic character actor with great energy and vocal confidence. Mysterious, all-knowing, and slightly eccentric.
Bea Mezzo-Soprano, Nick’s supportive and bold wife. Feminist, funny, and secretly dreams of performing. She loves and supports him despite his questionable decision-making and lack of success. Bea resorts to dressing up like a male to make ends meet for her growing family. Must be comfortable with light physical comedy. Portia Soprano, Nigel’s love interest; a quirky Puritan girl whom Nigel meets on the street. Pure-hearted, sweet, and slightly rebellious. Requires strong vocals with a classic musical theatre feel.
Brother Jeremiah Baritone, Portia’s overbearing, puritanical father. A deeply repressed Puritan. He despises playwrights, poets and all things ungodly. Must have a commanding presence and strong comedic chops.
Lord Clapham / Master of the Justice Baritone, Nick and Nigel’s patron. Proper, a bit pompous, but supportive. May double as other ensemble roles.
Minstrel Narrator-style role that onarrates some parts of the story and serves as the "guide" for the audience. Smooth vocals and strong stage presence. May be doubled with ensemble.
Ensemble A versatile group of singer-dancer-actors to portray: Troupe members, Puritans, Shakespeare fans, Musical theater spoof characters, Tap dancers, etc.