I have been reviewing Utah theatre long enough that I have come to look forward to certain traditions. One of those is the incredible productions put on by Murray Arts every summer in their amphitheater. They were in particular my introduction to Shrek: The Musical which was a million times better than I expected. This year they are putting on Something Rotten, which is another hilarious show from them even if the scaled back approach isn’t necessarily my favorite.

I must admit I feel a little bit redundant in talking about Something Rotten because I just reviewed it last weekend at the brilliant production at Hopebox Theatre. It’s a show I have seen many times and unlike some comedic musicals it is still enjoyable with each rewatch (I find comedies are sometimes less rewatchable than dramas or other genre plays.) You can read some of my other reviews of this musical for more of my thoughts on the material itself (I love it) but this review I will stick with the unique things at Murray Arts.

First of all, it was interminably hot the night of the show and I admire all the actors for pushing through with their performances especially in the Renaissance garb the show requires. I think I might have passed out particularly in the large dance numbers. Director Candy Tippetts and choreographer Alan LeFleur get everything from kick lines to full ensemble tap routines out of their company and it’s a ton of fun to watch.

The cast at Murray Arts’ Something Rotten is also really solid and entertaining with Nathan Holcomb and Patrick O’Boyle having nice chemistry as Nick and Nigel Bottom respectively. They have nice chemistry together and I enjoyed O’Boyle with Emma Roberts as Portia. The energetic spiritual of “We See the Light” is an underrated song in the show and was performed with the gusto the song requires.

It is also extremely impressive that Murray Arts has full orchestras for their productions especially when one considers the ticket prices are only $12-$15! I wonder if we realize how rare things like that are outside of Utah? It just doesn’t happen every day like it literally happens here!

I have seen Something Rotten productions that lean less into the musical theatre Easter eggs of the piece and this production is one of them. For the most part the jokes are kept to the lyrics rather than costumes or props. As an example, there is a line about things being miserable in Renaissance England and Nostradamus says “they call it Miserables.” In most versions I’ve seen a player will come out with a red flag in parody of the bastille moment in Les Miserables. Here it is kept just to the dialogue and no additional humor. I particularly think less seasoned theatre-goers might be left out of some jokes that a more blatant performance on stage might help them to understand (my dad, for instance, would have no idea what musical hints to Rent and Cabaret are without being more obvious in the staging.)

Anyway, one cant talk about a production of Something Rotten without a mention of Shakespeare himself played here by Aidan Hughes. I love seeing how different actors give their own unique takes on over-the-top roles like this and Hughes has an infectious energy we don’t always see. I love how he perks up whenever Nigel is talking about his play ideas and one can’t help but laugh when he says ‘that’s a good line.” Hughes’ take is cocky but there’s also a little bit of genuine theatre fan-boy in the performance that is very funny.

It is worth reminding Utah audiences Something Rotten is a saucier show for this area; although, I imagine much of the innuendo and tawdry humor will go over little one’s heads. Still it won’t be for the more puritan audience members. Fortunately it is extremely funny and the production at Murray Arts has plenty to delight and entertain. Unfortunately its last show is tonight 6/21, but I would definitely recommend checking it out if you get a chance. Tickets are on sale here.

Something Rotten has music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick with a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell

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