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06/17/2024 07:35 AM

A Musical Comedy: Something Rotten!


Shoreline Theatre Company Production June 20-21 and June 27-28 at BHS
Adult cast members of Shoreline Theatre Company rehearse a scene for the musical comedy “Something Rotten!” Performances will run June 20, June 21, June 27 and June 28 at the Cathyann Roding Auditorium at Branford High School. Photo by Samantha Coleman
Adult cast members of Shoreline Theatre Company rehearse a scene for the musical comedy “Something Rotten!” Performances will run June 20, June 21, June 27 and June 28 at the Cathyann Roding Auditorium at Branford High School. Photo by Samantha Coleman
Adult cast members of Shoreline Theatre Company rehearse a scene for the musical comedy “Something Rotten!” Performances will run June 20, June 21, June 27 and June 28 at the Cathyann Roding Auditorium at Branford High School. Photo by Samantha Coleman

Four nights of farce will be afoot in Branford when the curtain goes up for performances of the Tony-nominated musical comedy, “Something Rotten!,” presented by Shoreline Theatre Company (STC).

Set in the 16th century at the height of Shakespeare’s rock-star status, “Something Rotten!” follows the fortunes of the two Bottom brothers. In their bid to out-write The Bard by birthing the world’s first musical comedy, hilarity ensues.

When the show opened on Broadway in 2015, Time Out New York called it, "...the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years.“ Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including best musical, ”Something Rotten!“ took home a Tony for original Broadway cast member Christian Borle as Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Now in its sixth year under the umbrella of Branford Parks and Recreation, STC productions are co-directed by Colin Sheehan and Mike Martone Jr. The company choreographer is Paola Rarick, co-owner of StudioOne Dance Center in Branford.

Their skills come together in this production, which sticks to the original Broadway musical script. With nearly 40 auditioned cast members hailing from across the shoreline, state, and beyond, the show features amazing performers, dance numbers, spot-on sets, costumes, and a fabulous live orchestra, said Sheehan.

“It’s really a fun time, especially if you know musicals really well. There’s a song called ‘It’s a Musical,’ which references almost 100 musicals throughout the song, whether it be via lyrics or different movements or gestures or props,” Sheehan said. “But you really don’t need to know anything going into the show except that you will laugh and have a fabulous time.”

STC presents “Something Rotten!” (rated PG-13) at 7 p.m. on Thursday June 20, and Friday, June 21; and Thursday June 27, and Friday, June 28, in the Cathyann Roding Auditorium at Branford High School (BHS) 185 East Main Street. Tickets, $20 for adults and $15 for youth, are available now at shorelinetheatrecompany.com or at the door. General admission seating.