Something Rotten!

"War of the Roses, Chaucer's tale, the brutal feudal system, holy crusade, bubonic plague..." Though these all sound like things you would learn about in a European history class, they are also the first lyrics to the show Something Rotten! Contrary what the name may suggest, Something Rotten! is so much more than just "something", let alone "rotten". Set in Shakespearean England, the musical tells the tale of Nick and Nigel Bottom, brothers who are trying to come up with the next big hit and outdo Shakespeare himself by creating the first musical.

I said this in a previous post, but I'll say it again. I love history. The Tudor time period is one of my favorite historical eras, and I'm always excited for a riveting drama featuring Anne Boleyn or Elizabeth I, as played by some British actor whose face I've seen somewhere in the American TV-verse. But this musical takes that background and adds a hilarious musical twist, complete with Tudor-esque ruffle collars and a rock star who we now know as the Bard of Avon himself, William Shakespeare.

Notable Songs:

1. Welcome to the Renaissance - For a moment, let's just assume that the Western Roman Empire fell in around 500 CE. It was actually a couple of decades before, but for the sake of math, let's go with that. Elizabeth I's reign began in 1533. Shakespeare wasn't born until about 1564. That means that this song managed to cram about 1000 years of history into 4 minutes and 45 seconds of music. That's a feat right there. It actually covers a good amount of the innovation and artistic movement of the Renaissance era, so it's a song that is both catchy and informative. It's also interesting how the song shifts from its relatively dreary tone to a more upbeat, excited one when it shifts from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance at the beginning. Symbolism? I think so. 
2. God, I Hate Shakespeare - For some, the name of this song is utter blasphemy.
   
   
   

   For those who think that the name of this song is utter blasphemy, I happen to agree. Personally, I'm a fan of the Bard, especially because he's still such a relevant writer today. Whether you love him or hate him, everyone has heard of Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet. As for the song itself, I suppose it must be some insight as to how other writers felt at the time. Regardless, it's absolutely hilarious, especially the way Brian d'Arcy's voice becomes borderline hysterical as he goes on in his rant. The song is so good that it almost makes the name excusable. 
3. Right Hand Man - Set in a time with very little women's rights, this song absolutely calls the era out with an independent, headstrong female character. Heidi Blickenstaff does an incredible job in one of the catchiest songs in the musical as her character basically asserts herself, only to have her husband cast his doubts. Her belting voice is just as strong as the character herself, as noted by the lovely low note at the end. The banter among the family is both amusing and adorable, especially when d'Arcy snaps at his son, "Eat your cabbage," and his son replies with a nonchalant "Okay." Favorite line: "There's no problem that's too big / when you're married, that's the gig / so don't be a sexist pig!" 
4. A Musical - This is definitely the best song of the show. As Brad Oscar sells the concept to a very skeptical Brian d'Arcy James, it's impossible not to laugh at the ridiculousness of the character. There are also a huge number of references to classic musicals including Annie, Les Miserables, Rent, and A Chorus Line. It's an amazing homage to musical theater, and the song is so catchy and upbeat that you can't help but fall in love with it. Oscar's enthusiasm is infectious, convincing both d'Arcy James and the listener of the beauty of musicals. 
5. Will Power - Ah, the moment we've been waiting for! This song is the brilliant debut of William Shakespeare himself, and right off the bat, he's hilarious and cocky, very aware of his influence over a crowd. The song also contains tons of references to his works, including "Sonnet 18" ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day"), Richard III ("Now is the winter of our discontent"), Twelfth Night ("If music be the food of love, play on"), and Romeo and Juliet ("What light through yonder window breaks..."). They also do a few great wordplays, including the "will" of the people and putting the "I am" in "iambic pentameter". 
6. Hard to Be the Bard - Another Shakespeare song, because Christian Borle is so good at making Shakespeare sexy. Even though Shakespeare was brilliant in hindsight, this song is a reminder that it wasn't easy getting all of those words onto paper. It's the greatest example of "first world problems", the "hardships" of dealing with fame and fortune. Perhaps the Bard's writer's block is more relatable, especially when there's a college essay due and you have absolutely no inspiration. At least that doesn't have to be in iambic pentameter. 
7. It's Eggs - When the word "Hamlet" is misheard as "Omelette", this is what comes out. You'll spend the entire 40 seconds asking, "What's going on????" but when it's over, you'll rewind and ask again. I don't think I can explain much more than that. 

Note: Some innuendoes in "God, I Hate Shakespeare", "A Musical", and "Will Power"

I first noticed Something Rotten! when I went to go see Phantom of the Opera last year. The Something Rotten! theater was right across the street, and when I noticed the Elizabethan image on the poster, I knew that I had to check out the music. The show is absolutely hilarious. Brian d'Arcy James, also known as Hamilton's original King George III, conveys all of the frustration that poor Nick Bottom suffers from, while Christian Borle relishes every moment of his stardom as the Bard of Avon. The musical was even featured at both the White House and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Videos are below: 

Me too, Kristen Chenoweth, me too... 

*This version is more censored compared to the original. 

Also, Broadway musician Seth Rudetsky got Heidi Blickenstaff (Bea, Nick's wife), to sing her hit song in another musical, [title of show], in Shakespearean English, and it's amazing: 

Unfortunately, Something Rotten! just closed at the beginning of 2017, so tickets are no longer available. However, the cast album is around, which at this point, is the way that I enjoy Broadway shows for the most part anyway because Broadway tickets are so expensive!!! Regardless, the show is a wonderful story of love, rivalry, and artistic ambition, all set in the late 1500s. I realize now that all of the shows I've talked about are period pieces, so note to self, I'll try to avoid corsets next time around. Until then, as the Bard himself might say, "Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow / That I shall say good night till it be morrow."