Written by orange• March 18, 2025• 4:29 pm• Musical, Newport Beach, Newport Theatre Arts Center, Review, Uncategorized

Something Rotten! @ Newport Theatre Arts Center – Review

photo credit: Sarah Whitwell

Written by Zack Johnston

There’s Something Rotten! in the state of Newport Theater Arts Center, playing now through April 13.

Story:

It’s the Renaissance, and two brothers are on a mission to write the next great play, with Shakespeare himself as their main rival. Under mounting pressure, one decides to enlist some rather questionable help and subsequently sets out to create a radically new form of theatre.

Originally on Broadway a decade ago, Something Rotten! is a rare instance of a show that pokes in the face of timeless musical traditions while simultaneously honoring them. It’s a show that demands a certain level of absurdity in its execution but the same level of respect for the craft.

Direction:

This production, led by Miguel Cardenas, pulls no punches when it comes to creating a showstopping musical experience. An endless supply of talent is evident from the beginning, with standout performances from much of this seasoned cast and brilliant choreography by Anthony Tuason, with help from Daelyn Cerruti.

Acting:

Many of the production’s strongest performers are also making their NTAC debut. Tirelessly leading the show, Tj Punchard (Nick Bottom) is an undeniable talent who embodies showmanship and energy. Faithfully at his side, Kara Dillard (Bea Bottom) highlights her amazing comedy and vocal skills; her rendition of “Right Hand Man” is simply a knock-out. Ramy Alhawari (William Shakespeare) delivers a tantalizing portrayal of The Bard that shows range and commitment to who the character represents. Charlie Massey (Thomas Nostradamus) is simply hilarious whenever present and has some of the night’s most memorable moments.

Not only does this production hit the mark on comedy, but the vocal talent in this production is second to none. With music direction by Gabrielle Maldonado, harmonies throughout the show are consistently on point.

Kole Yoshi (Minstrel/Ensemble) starts the show strong in “Welcome to the Renaissance,” and their impressive vocals stand out even in ensemble numbers.

Caden Fraser (Nigel Bottom) is excellent as the earnest younger writer, displaying a mastery of comedy and character development. He and Naomi Groleau (Portia) show impressive vocal control in each moment together.

Duke Newcomb (Shylock) is simply unforgettable and wastes no opportunity on stage to land a joke. This show has its pick of deliciously over-the-top characters like Grant Thackray (Lord Clapham/Master of the Justice), who impressively only had two weeks of preparation and delivers a standout performance.

While the Bottom Brothers struggle with finding success in the theater, the opposite can be said for this production, with its sense of professionalism and a willingness to simply have fun with the material.