Something rotten or something sweet
CHICO >> Welcome to the Renaissance where Shakespeare is a rock star. Under the direction of Joey Mahoney, Chico Theater Company will present the hilarious comedy, “Something Rotten!” Sept. 16Oct. 9 at the theater at 166 Eaton Road, Chico.
Created by Grammy Award winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, “Something Rotten!”, is a musical comedy set in 1595 featuring large song and dance numbers. This funny Broadway musical tells the story of the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who decide to write the world’s first musical. It includes a hilarious story of the 16th Century Shakespeare and 21st Century Broadway.
“I’m sure the audience will get a real kick out of the clever lyrics and dialogue, the high-energy dancing and the fine singing,” smiled director Mahoney. “This is Shakespeare like you’ve never seen him before — he’s a rock star!”
Assisting director Mahoney is Wendy Boswell, music director Christine Buckstead, dance choreographer Sheree Henning, Shakespeare consultant Jeff Dickenson, and producer Marc Edson.
The musical farce features large song and dance numbers, and a fun-loving cast of characters. Set in London, in 1595, William Shakespeare (Z .Hanson) is a famous playwright, while brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom (Carson Scowcroft and Christopher Sullivan) only have hopes they can rehearse a hit play. Nick’s wife, Bea (Ashiah Scharaga) suggests she could help by getting a job, but then Nick feels like a failure. If only they could know what the future holds, Nick takes precious savings an heads off to Soothsayer Alley.
He encounters his nephew, Nostradamus (Jeff Dickensen) and they decide to write a musical about something epic. Their patron, Brother Jeremiah (Don Eggert), a Puritan, takes offense and quits.
His beautiful daughter, Portia (Kellen Staub), falls in love with Nigel, and this song and dance fascinating story continues with surprising results.
“Something Rotten!” has a finale written from the heart, the first of hundreds of American musicals.
This show does contain some adult humor, and is best rated P-G-13.
Tickets for this musical are $25 adult, $22 senior (age 65 and older), $12 youth (age 12 and under). For information and ticket purchases call 8943282 or online at ChicoTheater.com.