Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, Something Rotten. Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, Something Rotten was lauded by audience members and critics alike, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed by Time Out New York as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years".
Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.
Audition Details and Sign up HERE:
https://forms.gle/a2v9jmdpXhSCCFvEA
Seeking Actors in grades 9-12
Characters:
Characters:
NICK BOTTOM
Male identifying actor to play an aspiring playwright who is frustrated with his lack of success. He is desperate to outdo Shakespeare and create the next big thing in theater. Nick is driven by his desire to succeed, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. Ambitious, jealous, determined, but also somewhat clueless. He loves his family but often gets carried away in his pursuit of fame. Tap skills a plus. (We can teach you if needed)
Bari-tenor.
BEA
Female identifying actor to play Nick’s wife and “Right Hand Man”. She loves and supports him despite his questionable decision making and lack of success. Bea resorts to dressing up like a male to make ends meet for her growing family. She is a strong leader and a powerful woman who is quite persuasive when she wants to be. She ultimately saves the day.
Alto.
SHAKESPEARE
Male identifying actor to play the famous playwright and rival to the Bottom brothers. Shakespeare is depicted as an egotistical rock star of the Elizabethan theater scene, boasting of his talent and allure. While he's undeniably talented, he is also self-centered and somewhat pretentious. Arrogant, charming, flashy, and full of himself with a modern, rock-star swagger. Tap skills a plus. (We can teach you if needed) Tenor
NOSTRADAMUS
Male or Female identifying actor to play a mysterious character who provides Nick with a vision of the future. In this vision, Nick sees Shakespeare’s eventual decline and is given the idea to create the first-ever musical (which he believes will be the next big trend). Mysterious, all-knowing, and slightly eccentric.
Tenor or Alto
NIGEL BOTTOM
Male identifying actor to play Nick’s younger brother, Nigel, is a talented but more idealistic playwright who is far less concerned with fame and more interested in writing meaningful theater. He is far more innocent than Nick and has a deep love for poetry. Sweet, sincere, and naive. Nigel represents the artistic side of theater, contrasting with Nick’s more mercenary approach.
Tenor.
PORTIA
Female identifying actor to play a quirky Puritan girl whom Nigel meets on the street. Portia is the only daughter of Brother Jeremiah and the love interest to Nigel Bottom. They fall madly in love with each other over their mutual love for Shakespeare and poetry. Portia and Nigel set out to convince Jeremiah and the other puritans that they should be together rather than following the "star-crossed lovers" idea. Comedic actress who sings well.
Soprano.
BROTHER JEREMIAH
Male identifying actor to play the Puritan father of Portia. He is very strict and refuses to let her daughter engage in "fulfilling her lustful desires". He shows nothing but disrespect towards everyone, but especially playwrights like Nick and Nigel. A deeply repressed Puritan. He despises playwrights, poets and all things ungodly. Seeking a comedic actor who sings.
LORD CLAPHAM (Can be Lady Clapham if needed)
Male or female identifying actor to play Lord Clapham, a flamboyant theatre producer. Comic speaking role. This character may also play Master of the Justice as well as other singing/dancing roles throughout the show.
SHYLOCK
Male identifying actor to play a Jewish moneylender who is a character in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. He is also a part of the show’s comedic subplot, making witty and sarcastic comments throughout the show. Witty, sharp-tongued, and involved in the financial dealings of the characters.
Baritone.
MINSTREL
Male or Female identifying actor to play a character that narrates some parts of the story and serves as the "guide" for the audience. The Minstrel is an important comedic character who also has a knack for breaking the fourth wall.
ENSEMBLE : Strong singers and dancers to play Shakespeare fans and other characters during the Renaissance.
Also check out other Arts events in Edgewood, Theatre events in Edgewood, Entertainment events in Edgewood.
