Today in theatre history: The critically acclaimed musical comedy Something Rotten! opened on Broadway April 22, 2015.
The musical, which played the St. James Theatre, intentionally opened the day before Shakespeare's assumed birthday, April 23, 1564. Featuring music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick and book by John O鈥橣arrell and Kirkpatrick, Something Rotten! tells the story of brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, who are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of The Bard. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world's very first musical.
Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, the musical played 32 previews and 708 performances before closing January 1, 2017. The comedy earned 10 Tony Award nominations, winning Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Christian Borle鈥檚 performance as Shakespeare (Borle's second Tony Award).
The musical played 32 previews and 708 regular performances on Broadway, and earned 10 Tony nominations, including one for Best Musical. Christian Borle won the Tony for his performance as Shakespeare.
In addition to Borle, the production starred Brian d鈥橝rcy James as Nick Bottom, John Cariani as Nigel Bottom, Heidi Blickenstaff as Bea, Brad Oscar as Nostradamus, Kate Reinders as Portia, Brooks Ashmankskas as Brother Jeremiah, Peter Bartlett as Lord Clapham/Master of the Juustice, and Gerry Vichi as Shylock. Rounding out the ensemble were Michael James Scott, Linda Griffin, David Hibbard, Jenny Hill, Stacey Todd Holt, Aaron Kaburick, Austin Lesch, Beth Johnson Nicely, Aleks Pevec, Angie Schworer, Eric Sciotto, Brian Shepard, Chelsea Morgan Stock, Ryan VanDenBoom, Marisha Wallace, and Bud Weber with Elizabeth Earley, Eric Giancola, Courtney Iventosch, and Matt Wall as swings.
Something Rotten! featured scenic design by Scott Pask, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Jeff Croiter, and sound design by Peter Hylenski with stage management by Charles Underhill, Mary Kathryn Flynt, and Patrick Wetzel.
The musical later enjoyed a successful national tour, and has become a favorite on the regional circuit. After sold-out concert performances of Something Rotten! in 2024 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the musical will make its official U.K. premiere in 2026. Theatre, dates, casting, and creative team will be announced at a later time.
Look back on the original Broadway production below!
To learn about other theatre events that occurred on April 22, visit the 半岛体育 Vault.
