“Something Rotten” reviewed by Frank Meccia

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY’S WIRTZ CENTER PRESENTS:

SOMETHING ROTTEN
Directed by: Rory Pelsue
Book : John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick
Music and Lyrics by: Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick

It’s not too often that we get asked to review plays from major Universities, But I do enjoy going to Northwestern’s production. Going to one of their performances you understand why they are considered one of the best Performing Art centers in the Country. There first production after the pandemic is kind of ironic. The play Something Rotten is a spoof on Shakespeare, the play takes place in 1595, which is considered the end of the Bubonic plague, and London theatres were struggling with the challenges of making good shows. “This period brought out the imagination in theatre, instead of bare stages, we now so the stages with lush landscapes, and gorgeously-crafted words spoken on stage.”

Set in the 1590’s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rockstar known as “The Bard”. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing, dancing, and acting simultaneously, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of the opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self.

This production from NU, had a cast of 24, with a Music Team of 15, which means you are heading to a grand production, which is on the same level as Goodman Theatre, or Steppenwolf or Music Works. The talent shows in this production, the staging is perfect for the time period, with excellent costuming by Alaine Moore, Music Director Samuel Perlman did an excellent job, never drowning out the actors, the music was rich and enjoyable. The entire cast was perfect, they were what I expected from a high-ranking University.

The main Character’s Nick Bottom was played by Sean Zuckerman, who I expect to start seeing  in major theatre productions after graduation. Shakespeare played by Peter Carroll was totally believable, and Declan Collins as Nigel Bottom was a perfect accomplishment to the male roles. Bea Bottom played by Emily Brooks was wonderful, I see great promise in her. Mariana Leone and Jenn Sage as Nostradamus and Portia are going to be great actresses, great voices and wonderful acting. To be honest the entire cast was great. It made for a great 2 hours in the afternoon.

Tickets are from $6.00- $30.00, to be honest this new theatre was design to have no bad seats, I sat in the last row and had a perfect view of everything. The bad news, you only have a week to see this great production. Something Rotten plays till Feb 20th

Thurs., 2/10 @ 7:30 p.m.
Fri., 2/11 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sat., 2/12 @ 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Sun., 2/13 @ 2 p.m.
Thurs., 2/17 @ 7:30 p.m.
Fri., 2/18 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sat., 2/19 @ 2 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Sun., 2/20 @ 2 p.m.

Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts
Ethel M. Barber Theater
30 Arts Circle Drive

. Wirtz Center is on Northwestern Campus at 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston Illinois, parking is free. Tickets can be purchased at www.Wirtz.northwestern.edu. All covid rules are being followed.