Troy University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present “Something Rotten!” at the Trojan Center Theater April 10-12 and 16-18.
Set in Renaissance England, “Something Rotten!” follows two brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, who are determined to outshine William Shakespeare. In their quest, they accidentally create something entirely new, the world’s first musical. The show features comedic performances, energetic dance numbers and references to well-known Broadway productions.
Director and TROY Lecturer in Musical Theatre and Playwriting, Tommy Newman, shared while the show is a huge undertaking because of the stagecraft, it’s an exciting time for the department.
“It takes a lot of collaboration to bring a project like this together— lights, scenery, choreography, acting, a live orchestra, and a large cast,” Newman said. “It’s a great chance for us not only to entertain, and this show is wildly entertaining, but also to share our creativity and craftsmanship with the community. It really highlights what we’re capable of while celebrating the joy and playfulness that make theatre so special.”
Reese Lemaster, a junior theatre major from Montgomery, portrays the character Nick Bottom who brings the central theme of authenticity to the forefront when he is faced with the decision on whether he should be true to himself or not. Lemaster said his favorite part of the rehearsal process was finding something new every time he sat down with the script.
“There are so many pop culture references in this show, particularly to musical theatre, and some of them are so subtle that I’m still finding new ones,” he said.
Samantha Taylor, a senior theatre major from Memphis, Tenn., fell in love with “Something Rotten!” when she first saw it on tour in 2018.
“I have been wanting to be in it one day ever since,” she said. “It has been really fun to see our version come together. I have also loved getting to spend this last show process before I graduate with my friends.”
Taylor also expressed her hope that through this production, audiences will recognize Shakespeare’s work as more relatable than they might expect.
“This show is more than just a joke about Shakespeare, it is a story filled with singing, dancing, laughs, love, fighting for equality and so much more,” Taylor said. “It is going to be a fabulous time, and you don’t want to miss it!”
Newman hopes the audience walks away feeling lighter having watched the performance.
“This show is so joyful, silly, and over-the-top in the best way, and I think it gives audiences a chance to just laugh and let go for a couple of hours,” Newman said. “At the same time, there’s so much love for theatre baked into it, so I hope people also leave with a deeper appreciation for the creativity behind what they’re watching, and maybe even feel inspired to keep the arts in their lives in some way.”
“Something Rotten!” is recommended for audiences ages 13 and older. Tickets are $10 and can be bought here or at the Trojan Center box office near Barnes and Noble. For more information, call 334-808-6142 or email theatreanddance@troy.edu.
