For the first time in Eastern Idaho, Ammon Arts Community Theatre is bringing the Broadway hit “Something Rotten!” to the stage.
The musical follows two struggling playwright brothers competing with the wildly popular William Shakespeare in Renaissance England. Filled with tap dance numbers, references to other famous musicals, and PG-13, fast-paced humor, the show brings a new experience to local audiences.
“It is kind of a challenging piece for the community that we live in. They like Rogers and Hammerstein and Gershwin on repeat,” said Tasha Bere, director of “Something Rotten!” “But I don't think we learn anything from doing those shows over and over again.”
Another unique aspect of the show is the casting of William Shakespeare, played by Joy Morin in this production. In Shakespeare’s time, women were not allowed on stage, and female roles were played by men. Now, in a twist of comedy and fate, Shakespeare himself is being played by a woman.
“He's so funny. I love that he is just this rock star jerk,” Morin said. “I think it's a super fun role to play. I feel like he's in so many fun songs and it's in my range.”
Opposite Morin is Jacob Meldrum, who plays Nick Bottom, the stressed and often overconfident playwright determined to beat Shakespeare at his own game, even if his plans don’t always go as expected.
“He is the author of all of his own problems. He wants it so badly. He wants the fame. He wants the fortune. He wants to provide for his family and the troop that relies on him. And he's willing to go to just about any length to do it,” Meldrum said.
Through the comedy and rivalry, an emotional element is introduced through Nick Bottom’s younger brother, Nigel Bottom, played by Alex Nottestad.
“What drew me to the character is just how true to himself he is. He will never sacrifice his integrity to please other people,” Nottestad said.
A major theme of the show echoes a famous line from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet:” “To thine own self be true.” Members of the cast say this message highlights the emotional depth beneath the comedy.
“There are some really beautiful moments where we get to see the depth of the characters and their desires and their hope for a better life and how they work towards that goal and how they relate to each other on a very human level,” Bere said.
Tickets to see “Something Rotten!” are on sale now on Ammon Community Theatre’s website, with shows running from March 12 to March 17 at Thunder Ridge High School.
“If you don't typically go out to see a musical, come see this one. It's not your typical musical,” Bere said. “It's clever and witty and funny and irreverent and unexpected and I think it's going to make for a really good time.”