‘Something Rotten!’ at the Waterfront Playhouse

By Kat Black

“Some Musicals are Very Serious”

…but not this one. Something Rotten!, a Tony-award nominated musical comedy based on the book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell debuted last night at The Waterfront Playhouse. After a delayed start date due to an ill actor, this zany show was certainly well worth the wait. Xavier McKnight opens the night in a great plumed feathered hat and sets the Renaissance tone for this gender-bending Shakespearean farce. Set in the 1590’s, the first act is filled with a sea of tight curls, bulging codpieces and horny toilet humor. The tale follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom (Brian Robinson, Arthur Crocker), who scheme to write a play better than the narcissistic rockstar-famous Shakespeare (Bruce Moore). Nick Bottom turns to a local soothsayer to get a one-up on Shakespeare- in hopes of becoming the next big thing in theater. The prediction: the future of playwriting lies in song and dance- and the only way to earn fame and step out from Shakespeare’s shadow is to write a musical.

Although Something Rotten! is a musical comedy, you don’t have to be a musical theater nerd to get your laugh on. The Mel Brook’s-style slapstick jokes dominated every scene. After a period of time, I’ll admit I lost count of the dance numbers. The impressive high-energy routines (all thanks to choreographer Carolyn Cooper) brought hoots from the audience as they clapped along to the swirling gathered skirts and stomping feet. The mood was set by a lively 5-piece orchestra, conducted by multi-tasking pianist Michael Fauss. The play is also jam-packed with hidden references and melodies to at least 19 other classic show tunes and Broadway musicals. From Annie to Cats to Les Misérables – see how many you can catch.

Each character is as wildly diverse as the cast in real-life. We meet the hysterical Lord Clapham, (played by Ross Pipkin) with a falsetto voice reminiscent of Hyacinth Bucket. Actress Alexandra Zeto shined for her first production with the Waterfront- bringing chuckles and cackles from the audience as she revolts against the olde-age law which banned women from the stage until 1661. Sneaking her way onstage in various wigs and beards, Zeto brought a slew of laughter from the audience, as well as a group of cackling women yelling “More! More!”. And I think everyone could agree that Thomas Nostradamus (Canter O’May) had the most impressive note-holds of the night.

After a brief intermission, the cast returns with a tap dancing poetry battle between the dueling Bottom and Shakespeare. A colorful whirlwind of black death, singing omelets and provocative parading eggs ensues, driving the audience to a wild standing ovation.

If you have two hours to spend in Key West (and enjoy men in tight leather pants as much as I do) this is a great place to spend them. Something Rotten! runs every Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm until April 16th: www.waterfrontplayhouse.org

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