Laughter and Enjoyable Galore in a Musical Comedy

Featuring a forged and crew of 80 plus a stay orchestra, Fairfax High’s upcoming stage manufacturing is the musical comedy, “Something Rotten!” It’s additionally the varsity’s Cappies entry for this season.

“The actors are hilarious and are making me laugh at rehearsals,” stated Director Chris Whitney. “It’s a really, feel-good show. My students voted to do it because of its choreography possibilities. And our three student choreographers – Nate Smith, Libby Hansen and Naomi Bautista – have been amazing teaching the actors tap because there are multiple tap numbers.”

Show occasions are Thursday-Friday, April 30-May 1, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 2, at 1 p.m.; Thursday-Friday, May 7-8, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, May 9, at 1 and seven p.m. Tickets are $15, adults; $10, college students, on the door or through www.fxplayers.org.

The story takes place in 1590s London the place brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are struggling playwrights having to compete with William Shakespeare, who releases a brand new play each time they do. Frustrated, they seek the advice of reputed seer Nostradamus who tells them that, sooner or later, nobody will watch performs – they’ll all be watching musicals.

“So the older brother, Nick, asks Nostradamus to find out what Shakespeare’s greatest masterpiece will be,” stated Whitney. “And instead of saying, ‘Hamlet,’ Nostradamus gets it wrong and says, ‘Omelet.’ So the brothers write a musical about omelets.”

“The show’s message is to be true to yourself,” continued Whitney. “And it’s especially important when we’re living in a world with AI. We work a lot harder to create our own original ideas and works. This production is really a love letter to both Shakespeare’s classical plays and the musicals of today. Audiences will love the choreography and big, dance numbers. The story is light and entertaining, and the dialogue is witty and funny.”

Senior Olive Webster portrays Nick’s spouse, Bea. “She’s very witty, outgoing and confident and has comebacks for everything her husband says,” stated Webster. “But she lives in a time when women aren’t given much power, and she wants to get some for herself by having a job. She disguises herself as a man and tries out for various male jobs but can’t keep them.

“She’s fun to play because she’s supportive of her husband but will do what she needs to support her household – which includes both brothers, who aren’t making much money. And I see some of myself in her in the way she’s not afraid to make fun of herself in front of others.”

Webster’s favourite quantity is “God, I Hate Shakespeare,” sung by Nate Smith as Nick. “It’s very funny and shows how Nick really feels about Shakespeare, while the song remains upbeat and hilarious,” she stated.  

Webster stated this present is completely different from most different high-school performs as a result of “the humor is inappropriate in some parts. And it has song titles and lines you don’t always hear from high schools. It’s best for kids ages 10 and up. And there are lots of classic, big, musical numbers with bright, colorful costumes and lights that’ll really appeal to the audience.”

Playing Nick’s brother, Nigel, is sophomore Lucas Schnotala. “He’s awkward and unsure of himself but also passionate about being a playwright,” stated Schnotala. “His insecurity comes from him not believing in his artistic abilities, and part of his journey is just accepting who he is and finally believing in himself. He’s also friendly and outgoing, but in an unsure, clumsy kind of way. He’s well meaning, but that sometimes gets in his way because it’s to a fault. And he’s overly trusting and even gets taken advantage of.”

“I like finding the balance between his clumsy, comedic moments and his genuine passion,” continued Schnotala. “And his journey is one of the most complex of all the characters. There’s a variety in the people he interacts with and the emotions he feels throughout the show. There are peaks and valleys in his optimism and in his feelings about what’s going on around him.”

Schnotala particularly likes the tune, “To Thine Own Self Be True,” which he sings. “The melody itself is beautiful, and it also seems to sum up the show’s core themes of being true to yourself and your art,” he stated. “Audiences will like how fun and over-the-top it is, at times. Even though there are moments of seriousness, it’s overall a silly and joyful production. They’ll also love the score because it’s full of iconic theater songs, and they’re all very catchy.”

Sophomore Olivia Ho portrays Nigel’s love curiosity, Portia. “She’s naïve, young and lovable and brings an extra comedic aspect to the show,” stated Ho. “She’s also bright, bubbly, friendly and outgoing, although a little shy, at times. She’s grown up in a religious household and was taught to follow the Bible. 

“She loves poetry, but it was forbidden for her to read or even like it while growing up. But since Nigel loves it, too, they get to discuss it together, and it brings out the joy in both of them. I love playing Portia because she’s just so fun. She’s never sad and is always open-minded and encouraging to everyone around her. Every time I read a line of hers or sing one of her songs, it makes me happy.”

Ho’s favourite quantity is “I Love the Way,” Portia’s duet with Nigel. “There are moments when we’ll hold hands, swing around in a circle and jump on and off a bench, so the choreography adds to it,” she stated. “And it’s fun to sing because it’s faster-paced, and its crescendos show the importance of what she’s saying.”

Ho stated audiences will notably benefit from the play’s choreography, units, lighting and costuming. “Our set has moving parts, and people will see Bea’s house, a park under London Bridge and exteriors of a village,” she stated. “Women wear long, colorful dresses, and the men wear shirts and pantaloons. The lighting colors will match the vibe of each scene, and this show will make everyone laugh.”

Playing a minstrel named Minstrel is senior Mauro Manganello. “He’s the epitome of the English Renaissance and represents art in the world in general,” stated Manganello. “I start off both acts with a song-and-dance number. Minstrel is fashionable, wearing high heels and Betty Boop curls. He’s also flamboyant and has a larger-than-life personality. His songs and dances are over-the-top, and he’s polished, cocky and a little sassy. He doesn’t have speaking lines and sings everything he does.”

Enjoying his position, Manganello stated, “I love getting to explore dance. The choreographers let me create my own dances for Minstrel because I’m also a dancer and a gymnast. And since he’s the first thing audiences see, he gives them a taste of the comedy that’s in store.”

He particularly likes the tune, “Make an Omelet, sung together by the brothers and an acting troupe. “It alludes to multiple, different, modern musicals [that didn’t exist then], and they’re incorporated into the song – while giving an actual recipe for an omelet,” stated Manganello. 

He’s additionally head of hair and make-up, which might be conventional, Renaissance fashion, aside from Nostradamus. So many of the girls could have massive, daring hair and curls, with virtually a Marie Antoinette vibe for the rich ones. The poorer girls will put on updo kinds or ponytails, defined Manganello, “because they were poor and couldn’t wash their hair as much.

“As for an example of makeup, one rich woman will have heart-shaped lips, a pale face and lots of blush. Shakespeare will have a modern, rockstar vibe with black eyeliner and a grunge look.”

But, added Manganello, “The undeniable best part of this show is the comedy – because it makes no sense what these brothers are trying to do. Their musical contains references to and characters from dozens of popular Broadway musicals, such as ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ ‘Cats,’ ‘Music Man,’ ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and Mary Poppins.’ Everyone in the audience will laugh and have a really good time.”