The new Broadway musical Something Rotten! looks set to make a West End visit. The hugely popular musical comedy that tells the tongue-in-cheek tale of two brothers who attempt to rival William Shakespeare in Elizabethan London by creating the first musical has been nominated for ten Tony Awards, and is winning to hearts and minds of audiences across the pond.
Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, the man behind smash-hit musical The Book of Mormon and co-written by Londoner John O'Farrell, Something Rotten! is rumoured to transfer to London’s West End as early as 2016. The Broadway production is currently playing to packed houses at the St James Theatre in the heart of New York City.
Set in 1590, Something Rotten! follows bothers Nigel and Nick Bottom as they attempt to outdo the famous bard and his plays by creating the world’s first musical. Packed full of Shakespearean references, it promise to delight theatre experts and novices alike.
The Broadway production of Something Rotten! stars Christian Borle, James and Kate Reinders, and Brian D’Arcy. The shows producer Kevin McCollum said in a interview, ‘The idea of a musical set in Shakespeare’s time and having characters compete with him is something people are responding to. I love bringing shows to London and hope to send the show there’. Writer John O’Farrell also added, ‘I joke that Broadway is the out-of-town tryout for the West End. It will be especially interesting to see what London audience makes of the I Hate Shakespeare song.’
Look out for more Something Rotten! news coming soon.
