ORLANDO, Fla. – A musical comedy billed as a Renaissance farce that pokes fun at theatrical rivalries and the birth of the modern musical is coming to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Set in the 1590s, “Something Rotten!” follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, who are desperate to write a hit play while living in the shadow of the era’s most famous playwright, known as ‘The Bard.’ When a local soothsayer predicts that the future of theater will combine singing, dancing and acting, the Bottoms set out to write what they hope will be the world’s first musical.
Recommended Videos
Little Radical Theatrics will present the show in Orlando. They’ve been working on the musical since January.
Jessie Hoffman plays Bea Bottom in the show. Her character is married to Nick.
“In the show, Nigel has a great idea, but his brother Nick is so focused on trying to create something great that he is oblivious to the fact that his brother has done exactly that. It’s important to have faith in yourself and in the people you love and care about,” said Hoffman.
She also shared how she relates to Bea.
“I relate to her because I also dislike being told I can’t do something. Bea and I are both determined to prove we can accomplish anything we set our minds to, even if it’s unexpected by those around us,” Hoffman explained.
“I think it’s a great message because it shows that you are the only person who can decide what you are and aren’t capable of. We also both seem to have the habit of having to get the last word during an argument,” said Hoffman.
Emma Licata plays Portia. Her character rebels against her Puritan dad’s anti-theatrical views by falling in love with playwright, Nigel.
“Portia has been a dream role for quite some time. I love all of her quirks, comedic moments, singing her songs and how big energy she is. I’ve loved diving deep into her psyche throughout this production process. Her character has allowed me to reflect on my own comedic growth, as an actress and to keep challenging myself to further that very growth,” said Licata.
“Something Rotten!” credits music and lyrics to Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick, and a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell.
The show has been widely praised by audiences for its humor and past productions received multiple major award nominations.
“Aside from all of the laughter, particularly from the musical number ‘We See the Light’, my hope is that this musical moment reminds everyone to love one another and that our differences are not to be met with hatred, but to met with compassion and acceptance,” said Licata.
Little Radical Theatrics will present the show inside the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater March 20-22. Click here for ticket information.