Red Barn Summer Theatre is gearing up for its first showing of the comedic musical “Something Rotten!” tonight, July 9 to kick off the last show of its 58th season.
“Something Rotten!” opens tonight, Thursday, July 9, and will run Wednesdays through Sundays for two weeks. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m., except for Sunday matinees, which start at 2 p.m. A special Saturday matinee will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. Shows are held at the Red Barn Summer Theatre from July 9 through July 12 and July 15 through July 19.
“Something Rotten!” stands as a comedic musical parodying aspects of Shakespearean works during the 1590s. The play is based on the book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell with music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick.
“Something Rotten!”:
In the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play that excites the populous and garners fame and fortune, but the brothers are stuck in the shadow of “The Bard,” also known as the Renaissance rock star William Shakespeare. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, the brothers set out to write the world’s very first musical; however, ideas fail to flow beyond the common rewriting of historical events. Upon a revisit with the soothsayer, an idea is born that sets the second act fully into motion.
Amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to themselves, and a shocking reveal showcases that not all playwrights play right. Through cases of mistaken identities, well-timed jokes, and physical comedy, “Something Rotten!” provides a hysterical experience alongside the melodies to appeal to all audiences.
“Something Rotten!” provides a slurry of songs that advance the plot, dance moves that dazzle audiences, with some dance breaks, and jokes that callback to history alongside the original works of Shakespeare.
Cast:
“Something Rotten!” provides a modern take on the typical Shakespearean play through a large cast consisting of numerous Red Barn favorites who have been a part of the rotating cast for many years.
The Red Barn’s production of “Something Rotten!” features Noah Johnson and Ben Brickner as Nick and Nigel, and Matthew Reich as Shakespeare. Also featured, in a very large, all-singing, all-dancing cast, are Samara Rose Shavrick as Bea, Kody Horrocks as Portia, and Luke McLaughlin as Nostradamus.
Pre-show favorites:
Tonight, Thursday, July 9, NHK Seating of America Open Nights will present the talented vocalist, pianist, and all-around entertainer Jeffrey Bowen from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on the Heather’s Flowers Music Stage. This year, there will be music on the Heather’s Flowers Music Stage every evening except Sundays. Additionally, the Cellar is open before the shows and also during intermission, serving Whyte Horse wine and Sun King beer. “Something Rotten!” has been brought to the community by Encompass Credit Union.
Get tickets:
Tickets for “Something Rotten!” may be purchased on the Red Barn website at redbarntheatre.net or visit or call the Red Barn Box Office at 765-659-1657 Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. or Sunday 12p.m. to 2 p.m. Red Barn Summer Theatre is located 2120 E. County Road 150 S. in Frankfort.
