The Story:
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. Something Rotten features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given his or her own special moment in the show to shine. Throughout its Broadway run, the musical received a show-stopping standing ovation from audiences… in the beginning of the first act! It’s become clear that “nothing’s as amazing as a musical”!!
Read some audition scenes from another theater group HERE.
Roles to be cast:
SHAKESPEARE (vocal range: Ab2-Ab4) – Late 20s to early 40s. A strutting, swaggering rockstar. Over-the-top and cocky, he is the Renaissance James Brown or Mick Jagger. Seeking a great comedic actor that sings and dances very well, and can sport vague British and Yorkshire accents.
NICK BOTTOM (vocal range: A2-G4) – Late 20s to early 40s. A frustrated Renaissance writer at his wit’s end, trapped in Shakespeare’s shadow. Passionate, at times goofy, and competitive. Nigel’s older brother and Bea’s husband. Seeking a great comedic actor that sings and dances very well.
NIGEL BOTTOM (vocal range: Eb3-A4) – 20s to 30s. An adorably sincere, sometimes awkward poet. Initially very nervous and humble, but slowly gains confidence through a shared appreciation of poetry with his newfound love, Portia. Seeking a great comedic actor that sings very well.
BEA (vocal range: D3-D5) – Late 20s to 40s. A capable and charismatic woman determined to live her own way in Elizabethan England (even if it means dressing as man to do it). Suffers no fools, except sometimes Nick, because she loves him. Seeking a great comedic actress that sings very well. Mezzo with belt.
PORTIA (vocal range: G3-F#5) – 20s to early 30s. A bright young Puritan woman who can’t help her passionate love of poetry, theatre, and ultimately, Nigel. Seeking a great comedic actress that sings very well. Soprano with a mix.
NOSTRADAMUS (vocal range: C3-F4) – 40s to 50s. A soothsayer who can predict the future… almost… kinda. Goofy at times, yet sometimes wise. He predicts that Nick and Nigel will write a musical. Seeking a great comedic actor that sings and dances very well.
BROTHER JEREMIAH (vocal range: G3-G4) – 40s to 50s. A tightly, tightly laced Puritan who despises playwrights, poets, and all things “ungodly.” Portia’s father. Seeking a great comedic actor that sings very well. Rock baritone solid to G4.
LORD CLAPHAM (non-singing role) – 50s to 60s. Patron of theatre. He’s flamboyant and extremely posh. Seeking a great comedic actor that can join the ensemble in singing.
SHYLOCK (non-singing role) – 50s to 60s. A Jewish money lender to whom Nick is in debt. Dreams of getting into show business. Seeking a great comedic actor that can join the ensemble in singing.
MINSTREL (vocal range: C#3-A4) – Any age. Welcomes the audience to the show and serves as a narrator (sometimes). Written for a tenor solid to A4, but open to casting any gender in the role. Also in the ensemble.
ENSEMBLE (all voice parts) – Various ages, genders, and occupations: Minstrel, Townspeople, Nick’s Troupe, Lord Clapham, Shylock, Man Servants, Crowd, Chorus, etc.