Cappies Review: "Something Rotten" at Woodgrove High School

To be scrambled, or not to be scrambled? Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to seek the future and betray the present, or listen to your heart, and die of starvation you'll find adventure either way. A fond mockery of the classic and the modern alike, Something Rotten tells the story of Renaissance England, where life is wonderful if you are the great Bard.

Unfortunately, Nick and Nigel Bottom are not. Struggling to write a hit play before they lose the last of their money, Nick is inspired by his hatred of his contemporary, Shakespeare, to pay a soothsayer for information about the next great event in theatrical history: the musical.

As Nick desperately tries to write, his brother Nigel finds inspiration in the love of a fellow Shakespeare fanatic, a Puritan's daughter named Portia. The Bard himself, however, is desperate to keep his rockstar status, and will stop at nothing to keep Nick's pension for fortune telling from ruining his career. Disguises, misplaced quotes, tap-dancing eggs, all the world's a kickline at Woodgrove High School's raucous production of Something Rotten.

The talent exploding from this production was electrifying. Nick and Nigel Bottom, played by Matthew Murray and Josh Hall, had a bond that was ever-present, with real love for each other when they got along and tangible heartbreak when they quarreled.

Murray's Nick held a masculine conviction that fractured into something frail without losing his strength. His voice echoed the texture of his character extremely well, and contrasted with Henry Zeiger's shirt-ripping rockstar growl as Shakespeare just as much as it meshed with his brother's more delicate vocals.

Hall's Nigel held a subtle charisma that drew attention to his sensitive reactions, and he was never overshadowed by his brother, creating as much individual presence as he did when paired with Nick or Rachel Pruzina, his lover, Portia. She was lovely throughout the performance, filled with a bubbly, infectious optimism, comedic timing perfectly synchronized with Hall, and a sweet sailing soprano that rang out through any group.

Molly Burnett, playing Nick's right hand wife Beatrice, brimmed with a fearsome, intoxicating glow, sly and playful wit, and a smooth, extraordinary voice. Burnett controlled her performance masterfully, from elegant crescendos that she drew back from without losing her steel-strong core to a simple, purposeful, and hilarious shift in posture and gait when pretending to be a man. Her maturity and grace was truly admirable, and completed a glittering cast.

The smallest roles were expertly performed as well. Shylock, the excitable patron (Rett Dean), the delighted soothsayer Nostradamus (Izzy Jewel), and Portia's Puritan father with a tendency toward freudian slips (Evan Dombrowsky), were each memorable for their wonderful pacing and consistent choices, be they wild, scurrying excitement or measured force. Every member of the ensemble was worth watching, with precise and amusing stage business that added depth throughout, and managed several tap numbers successfully.

Though no one was lacking in humor, Evan Dombrowsky received a bulk of the jokes, and his committed timing was spectacularly tuned to draw laughter every time. The production moved at a rocketing pace, aided by brilliantly efficient set constructions by Sarah Gingerich and Evelyn Phan, and the quick and clever movements of Dillon Michlena and the rest of the run crew, which helped the cast maintain momentum through various rapid shifts in location and tone, right through to the last triumphant chord.

Woodgrove's production honored the Shakespearean comedy with delightfully adolescent humor and tender affection, all while delivering the modern spectacle of Broadway. Sure as the sky turns to blue, Something Rotten was a wonderful time.