Welcome to the renaissance: A world of camp
By: Nalyn Tindall
Graphic by Sama Nemat Allah/CanCulture
The Toronto Metropolitan Theatre Company (TMTC) has done it again with their recent production of Something Rotten!, a comedic Broadway hit set in the 1590s during the Shakespearean era. The show, originally written by John O'Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick, chronicles brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom as they attempt to establish themselves in the theatre, eager to write something even greater than Shakespeare himself. With the help of a soothsayer, the first musical is born. Something Rotten! is a joyful and outrageous spectacle full of upbeat tunes and dance routines that the TMTC cast brings to life.
Hunter Moore and Isaac Van Deven lead the cast as the aforementioned siblings, struggling to compete with their rival, the one and only William Shakespeare played by Grace Johnson. Moore’s performance as Nick is a standout, delivering a humorous and endearing portrayal of the protagonist, desperate to outdo the infamous Prince of Poets. Moore’s strong vocal chops and assertive nature in the role sold the show and drove the story forward. Van Deven’s performance is equally impressive as Nigel, who becomes smitten with a Puritan girl named Portia, played by Charlotte Johnson. He delivered emotional vulnerability, creating a sense of intimacy with the audience and adding a much-needed heartfelt storyline.
But the talent doesn't stop there. Natalie Doherty gave an outstanding performance as the hilarious Nostradamus, truly stealing the show with her song “A Musical,” a comedic masterpiece and my favourite number of the night. Doherty was the personification of camp and executed perfect comedic timing, took risks that paid off and fully committed to an absolutely outrageous character, bringing the audience wholly into the Something Rotten! universe and providing laughs any moment she stepped on stage.
Other honourable mentions go to Adam Rose as Shylock, the Jewish moneylender and theatre patron — and the butt of many damaging antisemitic jokes —, Cooper McCrory as Brother Jeremiah, the puritan leader, and Arina Behroozi as Bea, Nick’s wife. The three were equally committed to their roles and embodied their characters to the fullest. Although secondary characters, their memorable performances gave a spark to an already theatrically-illuminated show.
The ensemble was vocally strong and helped bring the story to life. Their enthusiasm, whether singing or dancing, was radiant. The choreography, unfortunately, became overambitious at times. When executed well, the large choreographed numbers push the show over the top, such as in the opening number, “Welcome to the Renaissance.” At other times, the dance numbers felt as if they needed more rehearsing, becoming distracting from the songs themselves. The tap core added a touch you don't anticipate from an amateur musical and was well executed.
The show's design is also worth mentioning, the strongest aspect being the costuming. The costumes were cohesive, paying an accurate homage to the setting of the play. I also appreciated the attention to colour, pairing couples with colour themes, such as Nick and Bea who coordinated in red garments.
The lighting was well done and didn’t distract from the show; however, it could've been used to a fuller extent. The use of the disco ball added a fun twist, but I would've appreciated more effects, such as the green lighting and fog used during Nostradamus visions. The set design was also confusing at times; the pieces used to represent different settings were not always clear. Fortunately, this was only a minor flaw in an overall solid two-and-a-half hours of entertainment.
Ultimately Something Rotten! was a ridiculous renaissance romp. From the talented cast to the catchy tunes and clever writing, the show has something for everyone. TMTC executed the show delightfully, and practically had the full house roaring with laughter. If you're a fan of musical theatre or just looking for a good laugh, then Something Rotten! is the show for you.