by Jeannie Marlin Woods
Gentlemen and ladies, come to Chatham, NY for an undeniably rollicking, rollicking evening of song, dance and merriment. The charming Mac-Haydn Theatre’s newest production is called SOMETHING ROTTEN and it’s a great theatrical experience not to be missed. If you love musicals and love (or hate) Shakespeare, SOMETHING ROTTEN literally has it all.
Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell’s incredibly clever book tells a simple story: It’s the 1590s, and two brothers are struggling to keep their London theater open by creating something new. What else can they do but hire a fortune teller who can foresee the future of theater? The seer has glimpsed the future and predicts that success will come through the creation of a new form: the world’s first musical! The result is “Omelet, the Musical!” – an amazing mashup of plot, characters, and now-famous Shakespeare lines, with snippets from virtually every American musical since the Golden Age. Along the way, the fast-paced, witty dialogue is enlivened by a brilliant score by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick, as well as that happiest of dances, old-school tap dancing. What’s not to love?
Director John Saunders has assembled a dynamic, young cast of actors who sing and dance their hearts out. Starting with “Welcome to the Renaissance” (led by a wonderful Amber Mawande-Spyteck as the minstrel), we are immediately immersed in the world of Shakespeare’s day London – with all its faults. There’s the bubonic plague, the Puritans and, of course, the poets. Our young heroes, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, struggle to survive in the shadow of the rock star of poetry, William Shakespeare. This Shakespeare is outrageous and captivating, in sexy black leather and arrogant attitude. Xander James delivers a dynamic, mischievous take on the bard and villain.
This entertaining Elizabethan pastiche could easily collapse under its own weight, so fast and furious come the jokes and parodies. But director/choreographer Saunders (assisted by Mandy Modic) has done a superb job of casting and staging a big, big show in the intimate theater space. The 10 main actors and 12 ensemble members are steadfast and confident, delivering numerous standout performances. Most of the lines and dialogue are clear, and the split-second musical parodies are brilliantly captured with a gesture or a prop. The laughs keep coming, but the sweet rivalry between the brothers and the romantic subplots remain, making it easy to really empathize with our heroes.
Andrew Burton Kelly is lovable and passionate as older brother Nick Bottom. He is an extraordinarily good singer and a great actor who never ceases to entertain. As his younger Nigel Bottom, Kylan Ross is Kelly’s equal. Ross is also a talented singer and dancer and is charming and delightful, especially in the romantic scenes with his puritanical girlfriend Portia. Belle Babcock is enchanting as the sweet-faced, innocent Portia. Madison Stratton plays Bea, Nick Bottom’s loyal wife. Stratton is a spectacular performer – her powerful and beautiful voice and her charismatic portrayal of the wife who disguises herself as a man to keep the household afloat are truly unforgettable.
The cast of SOMETHING ROTTEN is a wonderful ensemble, playing multiple roles and constantly changing character costumes. Jake Koch gives a hilarious portrayal of the seer Nostradamus – he changes shape as he divines the future of theater. Tristan Caldwell fully embodies the despicable and dour Puritan Brother Jeremiah, making him a convincing villain. And Alan Highe convincingly portrays the theater-loving moneylender who dreams of becoming a producer.
SOMETHING ROTTEN is hilariously entertaining. You don’t have to wait for the big song and dance showstopper at the end – this show is packed with great dance numbers from the start. Saunders and Modic choreographed one after another of wonderful numbers – mostly high-energy tap dancing, peppered with snippets of fosse, ballet and every other dance form of the American musical. The dancing is joyful and hilarious – especially the dance of the eggs in the musical “Omelet.”
Emma Cummings has designed a set as sophisticated as this show. With multiple entrances, we feel like we are in an Elizabethan town and theater, and the scene changes are smooth and effective. Clay Cates’ silly and imaginative props are very imaginative and useful in keeping up with the rapidly changing times and places. Andrew Gmoser’s lighting is extremely effective in making the scene a complete picture. Kudos to costume designer Bethany Marx. SOMETHING ROTTEN must have over 100 costumes, and the valiant cast of 22 slipped into one after another with remarkable aplomb. The show feels colorful jewel tones, a little thrown together, somehow comfortable – in other words, perfect. Finally, credit must be given to the excellent Eric Shorey, the exuberant musical direction. The accompaniment was a little loud at times, but it captured the cheerful and playful score perfectly.
SOMETHING ROTTEN is highly recommended for a truly entertaining evening at the theatre. It runs until September 1st.st—you can’t miss this!
Credits
Book: Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell
Music and lyrics: Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick
Director and choreographer: John Saunders
Deputy Director and Choreographer: Many Modic
Music Director: Eric Shorey
Deputy Music Director: Matt Levinson
Arrangements: Glen Kelly
Orchestrations: Larry Hochman
Set design: Emma Cummings
Lighting design: Andrew Gmoser
Costume design: Bethany Marx
Prop design: Clay Cates
Sound design: Sean McGinley
Hair and makeup design: Emily Allen
Pour:
Minstrel Amber Mawande-Spytek
Brother Jeremiah Tristan Caldwell
Portia Belle Babcock
Shakespeare Xander James
Nick Bottom Andrew Burton Kelly
Nigel Bottom – Kylan Ross
Lord Clapham/Attorney General: Kevin Weldon
Shylock Alan High
Bea Madison Stratton
Nostradamus Jake Koch
ensemble
Bella DePaola, Molly Engelhardt, Conor Fallon, Cydney Gleckner, Jared Goodwin, Jack Iovanella, Tanner Kirol, Clementine Kline, Taye Martin, Fiona Phelps, Adeline Trivers, Anthony Michael Velez
information
SOMETHING ROTTEN runs from August 15 to September 1stWednesday through Sunday. For tickets, call (518) 392-9292 or visit www.machaydentheatre.org.
Playing time: 2 ½ hours with one break
Mac-Haydyn-Theater
1925 Route 203, Chatham, NY 12037
Registration deadline: 1 September
