Chagrin Valley’s Little Theatre’s ‘Something Rotten’ is something wonderful

One of my absolutely favorite shows that I have had the pleasure to view is “Something Rotten” with book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell with music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick. It is high energy romp with great dialogue, biting adult comedy (the rhyming of penis with genius) and fun musical references to just about every Broadway show in history to cross a stage. It is also one of the most challenging shows to produce what with the stage sets, costuming, dance numbers and songs.

Chagrin Valley Little Theatre has taken up the challenge with a cast of 23 local talents accompanied by a nine piece orchestra. Their effort is well worth seeing. In fact, they have simply nailed it.

Nick Bottom (George Bailey) and his brother Nigel (Ev Brodsky) are struggling playwrights in 1595 London. Compounding their problems is an upstart actor (whom they had fired from their troupe) by the name of Will, namely Shakespeare (Joshua Budd). After the opening number (Welcome to the Renaissance) we find the troupe rehearsing for the Bottom Brothers production of “Richard II” only to find out from their patron, Lady Clapham (Breann Zerby) that Shakespeare (referred to as “The Bard”) is doing the same play. Nick gets furious pointing out that Shakespeare had already penned “Richard III” and should not be allowed to go backwards. He launches into song (God, I Hate Shakespeare). As Lady Clapham leaves she threatens to stop supporting the company unless they come up with a fresh idea immediately.

On his way home Nick encounters Shylock the Jew (Neil Rubin) with whom he owes money. Shylock tells of his love of the theater and his desire to help fund the troupe. Nick says no as it is illegal to employ a Jew. Arriving home, Nick and Nigel are served dinner (boiled cabbage that had been thrown at the pillory criminals) by Nick’s wife Bea (Abby Longshore). The young couple is saving for a house in the country by putting their coins into their money box. Bea suggests that she find work to help tide them over. Nick refuses singing (Right Hand Man). Bea sneaks out anyway finding work as a “bear shit boy” that thrills her that she has a title.

In desperation, Nick steals from the money box and seeks out a soothsayer at “Soothsayer Street” and finds Thomas Nostradamus (Tom Jones),nephew of the famous predictor. Nick asks that the next big thing will be for theater. The man predicts “a mooosical” will take the world by storm. Nick at first dismisses the idea but soon warms up to it. As this is unfolding, Nigel meets Portia (Emily Sedmak), the daughter of Brother Jeremiah (Dennis Runkle), leader of the Puritans. The two youngsters immediately fall for each other.

Nick tells Nigel about “his” idea of a musical and back at the theater they proceed to write and rehearse “Black Death”, a musical about the plague. Seeing the rehearsal, Lady Clapham leaves in disgust taking her patronage with her. Nigel goes to under the London Bridge to write. There he meets Portia and as the two find many things in common fall deeply in love (I Love the Way). A messenger arrives with an invite to attend Shakespeare in the Park as well as the after party. Nigel takes Portia as his “plus one” as unbeknownst to Nigel, Nick goes with Shylock as his “date” and new patron.

At SITP Shakespeare performs (Will Power) and at the after party Portia gets drunk. Shakespeare asks to read Nigel’s journal of poems and writings as Nick arrives and chastises Shakespeare for attempting to steal his brother’s ideas. Brother Jeremiah arrives to find his daughter intoxicated and threatens fire and brimstone on the playwrights.

Nick returns to Nostradamus with what little money he has left to find out what Shakespeare’s greatest play will be. Nostradamus predicts “Omelette”, a musical about a prince eating a danish pastry. Nick is excited at this idea for success singing (Bottoms Gonna Be on Top).

In this madcap comedy, the figure of Nostradamus is the spoon that stirs the pot. Tom Jones is perfect in his role as the wise cracking, singing and dancing soothsayer. George Bailey as Nick Bottom really captures the essence of the role and has a fine singing voice to boot. Ev Brodsky as Nigel Bottom brings a sweet innocence to the role. Abby Longshore as Bea has a terrific singing voice that fills the theater as well as Emily Sedmak as Portia. Dennis Runkle as Brother Jeremiah is the perfect gruff foil for the brothers and the bard. Neil Rubin as Shylock delicately plays his part with wonderful humor. Lastly, Joshua Budd as Shakespeare is larger than life and does wonders with the tongue twisting numbers.

The set is borrowed from the Aurora Community Theatre and was designed and built by Tom West with painting assistance from his mom. Kyle and Jack Brodsky assisted Amy Brodsky with the props. Jacklyn Kruyne does a superb job with the costumes which are vital to sell the time period. Valerie Hughes lighting gives a light and airy fell to the show. The show is aptly directed and choreographed by Marc C. Howard.

Sometimes theater can be enjoyed just for the fun of it. This show is a perfect example, especially when exhibiting the high standards that CVLT maintains in all of their shows. Come see how many Broadway references you can catch during the show (there are 20 of them and perhaps more). Get your tickets, sit back and enjoy the fun.

“Something Rotten” at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, 40 River Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohiowill be on stage through April 15, 2023. For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://cvlt.org/ or call (440) 247-8955.