Something Rotten! Review

If you love theatre, you will see Something Rotten!. The Summer Arts Intensive Program is currently putting on a production of the musical Something Rotten! which is the furthest thing from what the production is.

Something Rotten! is a musical with book by John O'Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick and music

and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick. This musical honors the famous playwright, William Shakespeare, while simultaneously poking fun at the bard. The story follows the Bottom Brothers on their journey to write the next big play and all of the bumps they run into along the way.

Now, the plot is not the only reason to see this show. In this, dare I say, nearly perfect production is a stealer cast that will make you laugh so hard you are sad you may have missed the next line. Producer Kerry Horst, Director Rebecca Saari, and Music Director Eric Saari lead this hardworking cast (of all 20 years old and younger might I add) of some of the most well-rounded thespians to grace the Fargo area.

Among the many stand-out actors, Ethan Saari playing Nick Bottom, and Drake Assen playing Nigel Bottom, portray flawed but passionate characters that you can’t help but root for. Their talent not only shows in their singing and dancing but both actors' ability to depict such a true relationship of brothers.

Additionally, actor Ethan Suriano, in the role of Thomas Nostradamus steals the show. So dedicated to the eccentric soothsayer role, Suriano stays fully in character down to the very smallest of finger movements. With an unforgettable voice and genius comedic timing, Suriano’s performance helps further the plot while simultaneously becoming a fan favorite.

On top of that is terrific dancing, choreographed by Amanda Perlenfein. Perlenfein took on this tap-heavy musical with spunk and skill to create a place for the ensemble to shine. Highlighting the ensemble’s strong dancing abilities, Perlenfein makes the blend between dance and lyrics effortless with a hint of cheeky. In creating this dance space to thrive, actor Xander Dutton bedazzles the audience from the stage, in and out of sparkling costumes. Dutton, who plays multiple roles, also helps the cast as a student leader. All while dancing through the loudest cheers I have heard from an audience, Dutton and the rest of the cast stayed in sync and executed some truly amazing tap numbers.

The cast of Something Rotten! performs at the West Fargo Sheyenne High School the rest of July at 7:30 pm and 2 pm on the 31st. I cannot recommend going enough. If you love theatre, you will see Something Rotten!. If you want to take part in some of the best laughs in a theatre, you will see Something Rotten!. If you don’t get to see Something Rotten! I’m sorry to say, but you may have just missed the show of the summer.

Pictured above is a cardboard cutout of actor Logan Lang playing William Shakespeare