Whether you are a theatre kid or not, Manatee Performing Arts Center’s “Something Rotten!” is a musical everyone can enjoy. The show is essentially a musical within a musical. It follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom circa 1590s in Renaissance Europe. The brothers work together as a team to craft a play as economically successful and as popular as the bard William Shakespeare’s, but the duo seems to have some opposing motives. Told with witty, humorous songs and a whole lot of heart, this is a show that is not to be missed.
Manatee Players’ run of “Something Rotten!” is truly professional in all aspects of performance and tech. The most notable scene stealer is Dylan Lack in his role as William Shakespeare. Lack captured the essence of the character, a snobbish rich celebrity who is very aware of his status and his effect on his audience. With every line he had the audience roaring with laughter, his stage presence unmatched.
Another standout is Rodd Dyer as Nostradamus, eccentric fortune teller who assists Nick Bottom on his quest for a stellar show. His voice, his inflection, and his manner made his scenes enjoyable as he landed every punchline. His bright energy in the song “A Musical” made it unforgettable. Overall, the performers exemplify such talent and professionalism.
In terms of performance critique, the choreography could be cleaned up a bit. Some of the actors, while having so much fun, did not look experienced. That, however, is the charm of local theatre- people of all backgrounds and levels of experience can participate. That aside, choreographer (and director) Rick Kerby truly nails his tap combinations. It is clear he is passionate about what he does, and anyone can see that translated through the dancers’ expressions and emotion conveyed in every number.
When speaking on technical aspects of the show, Donna Buckalter’s storybook-like set design drew in each audience member in the story no matter where they were sitting. Rather than a singular backdrop for the town, Buckalter designed multiple pieces to be layered across the stage, particularly evident in the town square setting. The interior of Nick’s house, which was quite detailed with its fireplace, furniture, and shelving props, kept one’s eyes wandering while not taking away from the acting on stage. The transitions between scenes were seamless thanks to the ninja-like stage crew, and of course the production and stage managers Kristin Ribble and Neal Addison.
For the daydreaming scenes in songs such as “A Musical” or “Will Power,” Dalton Hamilton’s lighting design seemed almost resembled of certain renditions of the musical “Godspell,” bringing such life to those numbers.
“A Musical” has so much to be praised for as every single element of the show comes together: the choreography, the lighting design, props- there were so many changes within eight minutes that were drastically different from one another. They were succinct, they were quick, it was by far the most involved number in the show.
This musical showing through Sunday, August 27 is must-see, and is rated PG-13 for “themes, suggestive language, and bawdy humor.” “Fun” is a word that encapsulates the entire production. It was evident the cast and crew thoroughly enjoyed working on the show. Manatee Performing Arts Center never misses!
