SOMETHING ROTTEN
Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell
Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick
Reviewed on Saturday, March 13, 2022, by Carol M. Rice, Guest Theatre Critic
Something Rotten has been a favorite show of mine since the national tour came through town several years ago, and I was extremely excited to be in the audience opening weekend for Garland Civic Theatre’s North Texas Regional Premiere of this hilarious musical. It did not disappoint!
Set in Renaissance London in 1595, the play follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom who are seeking theatrical success while competing with the wildly popular William Shakespeare. Now, anyone who knows their Shakespeare is aware that the Bard wasn’t a big hit in his own time, but you wouldn’t know it from Something Rotten! And Bryan Brooks brings out his inner rockstar and truly shines as the self-absorbed yet glowingly beloved Will Shakespeare, complete with a boy-band chorus that follows him everywhere to help control the screaming fans. It’s a great gag that Brooks plays to the absolute max.
Aaron Gallagher as Nick Bottom, however, is the real star of the show as a former company member alongside Shakespeare...who canNOT stand him. All he wants out of life is to have a hit show, and Gallagher keeps us thoroughly entertained and rooting for him the entire way. He has a great singing voice and is a captivating actor, and he even taps! His rendition of “God, I Hate Shakespeare” had the audience in stitches, and I heard audience members singing “Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top” at intermission after his rousing rendition at the end of Act I. His sincerity and determination attempting to make his big hit happen was spot on. It was just an excellent performance all-around!
In Nick Bottom’s quest for a hit, he visits a soothsayer to find out what the next big thing in theatre is going to be. David Tinney as Nostradamus is a brilliant scene stealer who breathes hysterical life into “A Musical,” and he and Gallagher and the incredibly talented ensemble do a wonderful job throwing more musical homages into a single song than I’ve ever seen.
Speaking of the ensemble, they were truly amazing. They’re all triple-threats so the acting, dancing, and singing was all top notch, and almost everyone played multiple roles that they made their own.
As young lovers Nigel Bottom and Portia, Hayden Lopez and Lauren Urso were adorable and charming, with their musical numbers moving, funny, and sweet, especially “I Love the Way.” The two had great chemistry and were fun to watch.
The live band, led by music director Mark Mullino was exceptional. Having live music for musicals sadly seems to be going by the wayside lately, with the use of tracks becoming more prevalent, so kudos to Garland Civic Theatre and director Patty Granville for stepping it up a big notch.
Everyone involved with this show should be extremely proud! I know GCT has had this one on the books since before COVID shut everything down, so it’s terrific (and, I’m sure, a relief) that they finally got to do it. The full house was very appreciative and gave the cast a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the night. I honestly wish I had another free evening during the run so I could see it again. This is fun, quality theatre, and while Something Rotten is probably not appropriate for little ones, older kids will enjoy it. Oh, and you don’t have to know much about or even like Shakespeare to like this show! Just trust me and GO!
Presented by Garland Civic Theatre, performing at the Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth Street in Garland.
Runs through March 27.
For information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.garlandcivic.org/ or call the box office at 972-205-2790.
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