Something Rotten takes us back to 1595 where brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom cannot seem to catch a break in the world of theatre. Theatrical success proves to be difficult when you are up against William Shakespeare himself. When Shakespeare (otherwise known as “The Bard”) writes a new play that directly clashes with their own, the brothers are faced with the challenge of coming up with an entirely new production in 24 hours. Chock full of instant classics and Shakespearean gags – this renaissance-themed romp is guaranteed to delight any age.
“Right Hand Man” is our introduction to Bea, Nick’s wife who longs for him to see her as an equal partner. When Nick and Nigel are stripped for time as they try to come up with a new idea for their production, Bea tries to propose that she go out and help them, so they don’t feel pressured to come up with something slap-dash. When Nick rebuffs her, she reprimands him about the lack of partnership in their relationship. Bea goes on to beg Nick to see her as an equal as opposed to someone he needs to provide for, and to think of her as his “Right Hand Man”.
“Right Hand Man” is our introduction to Bea, Nick’s wife who longs for him to see her as an equal partner. When Nick and Nigel are stripped for time as they try to come up with a new idea for their production, Bea tries to propose that she go out and help them, so they don’t feel pressured to come up with something slap-dash. When Nick rebuffs her, she reprimands him about the lack of partnership in their relationship. Bea goes on to beg Nick to see her as an equal as opposed to someone he needs to provide for, and to think of her as his “Right Hand Man”.
About the Show: Something Rotten!
Book By: Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell
Music and Lyrics By: Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick
Number of roles: 3
Character Breakdown / vocal ranges:
Name: Nick Bottom: A struggling writer who cannot stand Shakespeare. Nigel’s older brother.
- Gender: Male
- Age: 30 to 40
- Vocal range top: Eb4
- Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Name: Nigel Bottom: Nick’s sweet younger brother. A struggling writer who falls in love with Portia, a Puritan.
- Gender: Male
- Age: 30 to 40
- Vocal range top: Eb3
- Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Name: Bea: Nick’s wife. She loves Nick despite his past lack of success. She dresses up like a man to prove she can be an actor.
- Gender: Female
- Age: 30 to 40
- Vocal range top: D5
- Vocal range bottom: D3