My review: Something Rotten!

I just saw the funniest musical in the world. No exaggeration.  "Something Rotten!" doesn't open on Broadway until next week but I know it is going to be a big hit.  First of all, the plot is preposterous, ridiculous, inane, over the top.  But that is part of the fun.  It is not based on any book, film, play or historical character (other than William Shakespeare who in this case is Shakespeare as 16th century rock star.)  So one never ever knows where the plot will turn next.  It is always a surprise.  This is Shakespeare meets Spamalot.  I'm not even going to give the plot away here because I must recommend this musical and I don't want to spoil your fun.

 The costumes, sets and lighting make this a very colorful musical - more colorful than one would
ever expect to find in 1595 London.  The musical score is first rate.  There are several showstopping musical numbers - especially "A Musical" - a big, fat Broadway production number sung by Brad Oscar as Nostradamus, which still resonates in my head.  The opening number itself is a showstopper.  Some of the best dancing I have seen in years.

All the performers are first rate; the always charming and magnetic Brian d'Arcy James as Nick Bottoms; John Cariani as his brother
Nigel Bottoms (who could easily win a Tony Award for this performance), Christian Borle as Will Shakespeare (who seems to be channeling Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Liberace all rolled into one), Brad Oscar as Thomas Nostradamus (not THE Nostradamus but his zany nephew) and Gerry Vichi as a hilarious Shylock.

 I cannot imagine that this musical will receive anything but rave reviews from the critics next week.  If it does not then they have no sense of humor.  I never laughed so hard in a theater.  Go see it!

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