Good Company Players production connects history, comedic narrative

Good Company Players presents Something Rotten, a musical-comedy taking place during the Renaissance era at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theatre, Jan. 16-March 15. Intertwining history and comedic elements, the “funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years”, according to Time Out New York, surpassed expectations.

Something Rotten follows two brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom and their journey to out-write Shakespeare. This process of compiling a production with singing, dancing and recitations invites the audience into a 1590s passage to self-discovery.

This was my first time viewing a production at Roger Rocka’s. While the crowd was largely filled with seniors, multiple children accompanied them.

My favorite part of the dining experience was the cheesecake offered during the brief intermission while the crew transitioned from the first act to the second. This was reminiscent to me of a New York cafe. 

I enjoyed seeing the pre-show to Something Rotten by the Junior Company at Good Company Players. I was amazed by the young talent displayed under the spotlight. These junior performers ranged from ages eight to 18.

In the following tweet, Roger Rocka’s shares the brochure of the play and information on purchasing tickets.

NOW ON STAGE: @GCPlayers boisterous, bawdy, & hysterical production of SOMETHING ROTTEN! PG13
Welcome to the Renaissance & this outrageous, free-wheeling musical farce! Brothers set to work to write Omelette: The Musical – & the hysterically-inaccurate fun has just begun! pic.twitter.com/dDsoSjvZbY

— Roger Rocka’s-SOMETHING ROTTEN!-NOW THROUGH 3/15! (@RogerRockas) January 21, 2020

After the performance by the Junior Company, the lights dimmed and the stage transformed into 1590s Europe. The play began with the first song of the night, “Welcome to the Renaissance.” The musical aspects of the performance helped break up the long dialogue interspersed throughout the night.

The following Spotify playlist features the songs performed throughout the play.

The irony woven within this play provided an enjoyable atmosphere as viewers felt free to laugh at comical moments. While trying to outwit “The Bard”, Nick Bottom and his older brother spend all their life and savings on a fortune teller to inform them on what would attract the most theatre-goers in the 21st century. 

The genie predicts the future with “A Musical”, a tune describing what that is. Nick trusts the psychic’s input because if a new idea did not arise by the next day, his business would not remain funded. Conflict arises between the Bottom brothers and Shakespeare. 

The play was given a PG-13 rating. This rating proved to be true due to the crude humor sprinkled throughout, however, it was not discussed in depth. Overall, I would recommend Something Rotten to a group of friends rather than families because of the awkward comments.

Something Rotten will be running until March 15. The next play put on by Good Company Players will be The King and I, premiering March 19. Make your way downtown this weekend and help support local theatre!

For another theatre review read, She Loves Me features comedic musical numbers, captivates audience.

For more articles, read Scott Bucher aims to teach life lessons through chemistry and New Kikku Kitchen location exceeds expectations, expands menu items.

Faith Monroy can be reached via Twitter.

The following slideshow includes images from the play ‘Something Rotten’ put on by Good Company Players.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Good Company Players presents Something Rotten at Roger Rocka's Dinner Theatre, Jan. 16-March 15.