‘Something Rotten!‘ is a delightfully dandy musical at the Newport Theatre Arts Center running from now through April 13, 2025.
Nick (TJ Punchard) and Bea Bottom (Kara Dillard) in ‘Something Rotten!‘ running from now through April 13, 2025, at Newport Theatre Arts Center. Photo by Sarah Whitwell.
If you’re a fan of musicals, ‘Something Rotten!‘ at the Newport Theatre Arts Center is an absolutely joyous experience. This hilarious and over-the-top comedy takes us back to the Renaissance, following the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel (TJ Punchard and Caden Fraiser), as they struggle to make their mark in the world of theatre while Shakespeare’s dominating success looms large. Desperate to find their own hit, they seek the advice of a soothsayer, who predicts the future of theatre—musicals. From there, things get delightfully ridiculous, with catchy songs, absurd humor, and nods to classic Broadway shows that leave the audience in stitches.
Charlie Massey is yet again the showstoppers with his performance of Thomas Nostradamus, the soothsayer. Every time he steps on stage, the energy is elevated, and his comedic timing is on point. Massey owns the role in a way that makes it hard to look at anyone else. Massey’s performance here is even more impressive considering his recent turn as Igor in ‘Young Frankenstein‘ at Z Playhouse in October, 2024. He’s got the chops, and it’s clear he’s having the time of his life on any stage.
Kara Dillard as Bea Bottom, Nick’s wife, is also fantastic. She’s tough, funny, and heartfelt all at once, and she really brings her character to life. Alongside her is Fraser’s Nigel who is star struck, love struck, paranoid and completely hilarious, making him ‘Something Rotten!‘s scene stealer. The chemistry between the entire ensemble amidst all the chaos is where the true magic lies.
The Cast of ‘Something Rotten!‘ running from now through April 13, 2025, at Newport Theatre Arts Center. Photo by Sarah Whitwell.
Then there’s Ramy Alhawari as William Shakespeare, who is the perfect antagonist to Punchard’s Nick Bottom. Alhawari brings a confident, smug, Rockstar energy to the character, driving Nick to the obsession with their rivalry as they play everything straight in an overly absurd world.
The music is, of course, a huge part of what makes ‘Something Rotten!‘ fun. I freely admit I was lost with some of the deep cut Broadway references, but it didn’t matter—everything about this show is infectious. The songs will have you tapping your feet and laughing out loud. Special shoutout to Naomi Groleau as Portia, Nigel’s love interest, and Todd Carlson as her father, Puritan Brother Jeremiah. Groleau’s Portia is sweet and endearing, and Carlson adds a great touch of humor to this role.
Choreography by Anthony Tuason deserves a mention too. The cast only had five weeks to put everything together, and you wouldn’t know it—each number is full of energy, perfectly matching the show’s quirky tone. It’s clear the hard work paid off, and the choreography really adds to the fun, fast-paced feel of the show.
The worst part of the show? With eggs being $10 a dozen, I now find myself craving an omelet.
‘Something Rotten!‘ runs at Newport Theatre Arts Center from now through April 13, 2025.
To purchase tickets for ‘Something Rotten!‘ visit: https://us.patronbase.com/_NewportTheatreArtsCenter/Productions/23/Performances.
Newport Theatre Arts Center is located at:
2501 Cliff Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Summary
‘Something Rotten!‘ is a celebration of musicals, theatre, and the joy of creative chaos. The ensemble cast, the music, the choreography—all come together to create a truly fun night out.
