To Beat, or Not to Beat? That is the question at West Springfield High School's production of "Something Rotten!"
Tony Award-nominated "Something Rotten!" is a 2015 musical comedy with a book by John O'Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick with music and lyrics by Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick. The farcical story follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, as their theatre troop struggles to find success in the competitive theatrical world. Debt-ridden and desperate, Nick seeks the help of soothsayer Nostradamus to discover his next big hit: "Omelette: The Musical."
Nick Brunson as the fervent Nick Bottom brought both passion and skill to the stage while displaying a healthy appreciation for burlesque comedy. Brunson greatly captured Nick's drive, determination, and insecurities, creating a complex but equally compelling character - lamenting sweetly one second and prancing about the stage in mockery the next. Nick Frazier, as his eager brother Nigel, remarkably navigated his character's shift from wide-eyed and optimistic to resolute with a strong sense of self. Whether collaborating on their show or at each other's throats, they produced a dynamic relationship and easily played off one another.
Maddie Orchard delighted in the role of Portia, balancing the sweetness of her character with robust innuendos. Orchard also exhibited vocal prowess through a clear soprano mix and delicate vibrato. Also remarkable was Christopher Seeger, who delivered many laughs as the zany Nostradamus. Seeger expertly crafted his character as he brimmed with energy and zeal, proving his aptitude for physical comedy with bold, over-the-top movement. This climaxed in the song "A Musical" when he bent over and boogied with his rear to demonstrate what a musical should look like.
In addition to its talented cast, West Springfield's production also featured an accomplished crew that managed many technical elements. Costumes for the show, designed by Alina Yang and Skylar Buchholz, were extremely well executed. Leather pants with a bejeweled jacket developed William Shakespeare beyond a tactical villain into a vainglorious rock star. The show had over 150 costume changes - the fastest of which was done in seven seconds. Rakeb Yihunie and Eleanor Heinbaugh's skill with lighting added an extra level of dazzle to the show. Notably, the use of rotating spotlights added a fun and groovy effect to the show's big, flashy numbers. Also noteworthy was the seventeen-student pit orchestra, which brought the production to life with their synchronized, harmonious playing.
Packed full of humor, creativity, and plenty of "Will Power," the students at West Springfield High School proved there's "nothing as amazing as a musical!"