Something Rotten
Book by: John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick
Music & Lyrics by: Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick
Directed by: Christi E. Sears
Audition Dates: Jan. 2, 3, 4, 2023
Performances: Apr. 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 16(m), 20, 21, 22, 23(m), 27, 28, 29, 2023
“Two brothers set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth century Shakespeare and twenty-first century Broadway. Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Niel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” 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. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.” (Music Theatre International, 2022)
Director
Christi E. Sears has a string of hit musicals and plays to her credit, including: Clue, Altogether Now (Special Event), The Secret of Chimneys: ACT Radio Play, Mamma Mia, The Addams Family, Annie, Big Fish, Shrek, Young Frankenstein, Avenue Q, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Curtains, Steel Magnolias, The Producers, The Music Man, Hello, Dolly!, The Rocky Horror Show, Pirates of Penzance, Into the Woods, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Bell, Book and Candle, Auntie Mame, and Greater Tuna at ACT. Christi also directed at CCT: Cinderella, Damn Yankees, and Little Shop of Horrors. A long-time administrative member at ACT, Christi has served four terms as president and two terms as treasurer. She currently is our Cheer and Condolence Manager. Christi resides in Albany and has worked for over 27 years as the Accounting/Payroll Manager at Palm Harbor Homes.
Director’s email: cirsey@comcast.net
Cast of Characters
Shakespeare: The Bard. Over the top with a huge ego. Gender: Male; Age: 30 to 40; Vocal range top: Ab4; Vocal range bottom: Ab2
Nick Bottom: A struggling writer who cannot stand Shakespeare. Nigel’s older brother. Gender: Male; Age: 30 to 40; Vocal range top: G4; Vocal range bottom: A2
Nigel Bottom: Nick’s sweet younger brother. A struggling writer who falls in love with Portia, a Puritan. Gender: Male; Age: 30 to 40; Vocal range top: A4; Vocal range bottom: Eb3
Bea: Nick’s wife. She loves Nick despite his past lack of success. She dresses up like a man to prove she can be an actor. Gender: Female; Age: 30 to 40; Vocal range top: D5; Vocal range bottom: D3
Portia: A Puritan woman who loves poetry, theater, and ultimately Nigel. Gender: Female; Age: 20 to 35; Vocal range top: F#5; Vocal range bottom: G3
Nostradamus: A soothsayer. Gender: Male; Age: 40 to 50
Brother Jeremiah: Portia’s father. A Puritan who thinks Nick and Nigel’s plays are sinful. Gender: Male: Vocal range top: G4; Vocal range bottom: G3
Lord Clapham: A posh patron of the theater. Gender: Male
Shylock: An investor to whom Nick and Nigel are in debt. Gender: Male
Minstrel: Gender: Male or Female; Vocal range top: A4; Vocal range bottom: C#3
Ensemble: Roles include: Minstrel, Townspeople, Troupe, Lord Clapham, Shylock, Man Servants, & Crowd. Actors may be asked to play 2/3 various characters. Various vocal ranges.