“Man, I hate Shakespeare!”
It’s not just high school students or literature majors who sometimes struggle to appreciate the Bard. While some adore him and devour his works, Nick and Nigel Bottom might despise William Shakespeare more than anyone else.
In the heart of the English Renaissance, Nick and Nigel believe they are Shakespeare’s equals – if only they had the script and audience to prove it. Desperate for success, Nick embarks on a quest to finally surpass his more popular rival, though it may prove costly in the end. Nigel, meanwhile, is on a journey of his own as he deals with matters of the heart in a saga fit for a Shakespearean sonnet.
The story of the Bottom brothers comes to the Thomas G. Crone Auditorium from Thursday, January 16 through Saturday, January 18 as the Woodland Hills Performing Arts Department presents “Something Rotten! Jr.” as its 2024-25 Junior Musical. First brought to Broadway in 2015, “Something Rotten” was nominated for ten Tony Awards and eventually embarked on multiple U.S. and International tours. Written by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick with music and lyrics by Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick, the show has been modified for the school stage.
The hilarious script features subtle – and not-so-subtle – references to classic and modern musicals, casually drops in some of Shakespeare’s most famous lines, and allows an ensemble cast of characters to transport the audience back to the Renaissance.
The cast, in order of appearance, features Alan Williams and Ty’Azia Burton alternating in the role of Minstrel, Elijah Pittler as Brother Jeremiah, Eleanor Willson as Portia, Richard Master as William Shakespeare, Luke DeVore as Nick Bottom, Cayden Bristow as Nigel Bottom, Nasir Mosley as Lord Clapham, Jordin Burgh and Nicolas Damico alternating as Shylock and Nostradamus, and Adore McFadden and Elizabeth Ansell alternating as Bea.
Nick Bottom’s acting troupe features William Ferguson as Robin, Samyra Fodop as Tom Snout/Master of the Justice, Xaleia Harmon as Snug, Elizabeth Ketcham as Clerk, Leela Norman as Horatio, Drayonna Robinson as Francis Flute, and Thea Wik as Peter Quince.
The ensemble includes Noah Baverso, Addison Brown, Samantha Burgh, Layla Chinn, Elizabeth Clark, Bella Colaguori, Makhia Dawkins, Merryn Fritzberg, Amiyah Holeman, Adalyn Matthews, Natalie Mosley, Huck Norman, Evabelle Rinsema, Connor Staley, Gabriel Watson, Legacy Willis, and Viola Zuccarelli.
The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, while Saturday also features a 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. The Woodland Hills Performing Arts Department’s next show will present “Hairspray” as its annual spring musical. The show will open with the annual Patrons’ Night on April 24 and run April 24-26 and May 1-3 with eight total shows.