SOMETHING’S ROTTEN – Music and Lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick; Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. Directed and Musical Direction by Tanner Kelly; Choreographed by Heather Westenskow. Produced by Stagedoor Theatre (25797 Conifer Road, Conifer) through June 29. Tickets available at 303-838-0809 or StagedoorTheatre.org.
Some families play sports together or cook as a family or just binge the same movies in the evening. The Kirkpatrick family writes musicals together. Starting over a family holiday as a joke, a “what if” scenario became an on-going and growing Idea for a real life musical. Not a total random pairing since Karey made his living as a screenwriter for Disney and Wayne was a composer with songs that were covered by nearly every country singer in Nashville. After playing with the script and complicated lyrics for nearly fifteen years, they finally got serious and buckled down in 2010. By 2015, they were nominated for nine Tony’s. And that’s how that fairy tale ends.
Ends except for the people who now get to enjoy the fruits of the brother’s efforts. Which includes knowledgeable people along the front range. The small theatre in Conifer continues to roll out excellent productions month after month, many of them under the guidance of Tanner Kelly whose soft, sweet touch with a script never fails to delight. He captures every bit of the humor, honors the talent of his actors, and finds the heart of the story. He is ably assisted in these efforts by master choreographer Heather Westenskow. Her skill is revealed in creating structurally sound dance pictures, teaching the ensemble to enjoy the dances, and finding the fun in the music with new interpretations. If you want an example of the sterling work by these two, watch the opening number “Welcome to the Renaissance” or the overwhelmingly complicated lyrics and dance patterns of “Make an Omelette” which gives respect to and references every Broadway show ever done.
It doesn’t hurt that they have a cast that understands the jokes and rejoices in being able to bring this homage to Broadway musicals to life. Nick and Nigel Bottom are searching for the next big thing to put them ahead of Shakespeare back in 1600 England. In a trance of mystical magic, a seer predicts it will be adding music to the story-telling and off they go. Just one little misconception – in trying to tell them the name of “the next big thing,” Nostradamus comes up with “Omelette” (as opposed to HAMLET) as the name of the sure success. This sets Nick on a wavering path to failure. But along the way, we are treated to musical numbers lauding the arrogant Bard and a love match for Nigel. Bea, Nick’s wife, dresses as a man to take jobs for money to keep the family afloat. The whole theatrical community is chastised by the Puritan Brother Jeremiah. The plot is perfectly illustrated by the music and the skill of the ensemble of actors.
The brothers Sean Davis and Andy Roy carry the twin plots of the story with ease. Their brotherly differences are authentic without causing long-lasting dissension in the family. Nikki Salinas is the third member of the family group as Bea, Nick’s loving wife. She proclaims herself with her beautiful voice as their “Right Hand Man.”
Of course, the Man himself complains that “It’s Hard to be the Bard,” between writing plays and being a star. Jason Rexx makes the most of this show-stopping number and revels in the fun of performing as Shakespeare. Even Brother Jeremiah’s daughter Portia, while she’s falling in love with Nigel, still swoons over Will. Portia and Nigel’s mutual love of poetry unites them in “I Love the Way.”
Moving the plot along are Scotty Shaffer as Thomas Nostradamus (the original’s nephew), Stephen Sbanotto who makes funny as Brother Jeremiah; and Jessica Sotwick as Shylock, the Jewish investor in the Bottom musical in return for having a character named after her.
As usual, the tech crew at Stagedoor designs simple but amazingly effective sets and accompaniment to the production. Biz Schaugaard and Dean Arinotes have come up with another singular set that fulfills the needs of the production without calling for a lot of complicated changes. The costumes curated by Jennifer Middleton keep us solidly in the Renaissance with everything from black leathers for Shakespeare, modest black garb for the Puritans, and Ren dress for the dancers.
It may be hard being the Bard, but the crew at Stagedoor make doing theatre look easy.
A WOW factor of 8.75!!