AGE ADVISORY:
“Something Rotten!” is appropriate for audiences eight years and older. Parents may wish to do additional research before taking their younger children.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
This hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write their own hit play while the “rock star” Shakespeare keeps getting all the hits. 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!
DIGGING DEEPER:
“Welcome to the Renaissance!” “Renaissance” is a term used to describe the period between the 14th and 17th centuries when society was marked by great advances in art, science and culture. The most prominent artists and figures of the time included Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Thomas More and William Shakespeare. Some plays did include extravagant numbers with song and dance called “court masques.” These masques became the first sung plays and arguably the first English operas.
Set in the ‘90s – the 1590s – “Something Rotten!” is a love letter to musical theater. But you don’t need to know anything about musicals, the Renaissance or Shakespeare to enjoy every minute of this toe-tapping, smile-producing musical comedy. Everyone will love the catchy songs, show-stopping musical production numbers and side-splitting laughs in this wildly inventive show. Diehard Broadway fans will especially appreciate the clever references to many of musical theatre’s best loved shows.
FUN FACT:
“Something Rotten!” combines the Tony® award-winning creative talents behind Broadway blockbusters such as “The Book of Mormon,” “Aladdin,” “RENT,” “Avenue Q,” “Motown” and “In the Heights.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Have you ever taken on a project that led people to say you were crazy? Where did you get the inspiration?- “Something Rotten!” is a love letter to Broadway musicals. What is your favorite Broadway musical?
- You’re a famous playwright creating a brand new show. What would it be about?
- In “Something Rotten!” Shakespeare is depicted as a Renaissance rock star. Who has been elevated to “rock star” status in American culture today? Why?
RESERVE YOUR SEATS FOR “SOMETHING ROTTEN!”
Questions? Comment below and we’ll answer as quickly and as best we can!
