(Photo credit: Trinity DOTA Facebook page)
Something Rotten is a hilarious musical comedy that follows the story of two struggling writers during the Renaissance, Nick and Nigel Bottom, as they attempt to outshine Shakespeare’s work. This production had a plethora of comedic bits that were wonderfully executed, with an overarching message that reminded the viewers to both not take life too seriously and to follow your heart in times of struggle.
High school theater, like any theater, serves its challenges; the entirety of your production relies on the talent of the current ever-changing high schoolers, making it impossible to deliver a constant production quality. No theater is immune to this, even Trinity, who is known for their strong and full productions. But where individuals may have struggled, the ensemble bound together to bring Trinity DOTA’s Something Rotten to life.
From challenging dance numbers to well engineered harmonies, it was clear that every person on stage put an immense level of effort into their work. This was especially apparent in numbers such as “Bottom’s Gonna Be On Top” and “Make an Omelette” which both featured incredible tap numbers that wowed the audience from start to finish. The female dance ensemble stood out with their strong expressions and sharp movements, truly proving there are no small parts, only small actors.
Eden George (Portia), Everan McCartan (Nigel Bottom), Joey Paulin (Nick Bottom), and Benjamin Williams (Nostradamus) all stood out, providing wonderful comedic timing and strong energy. Eden George mesmerized the audience with her light and polished vocals, charismatic personality, and energized acting style that fit Portia perfectly. Her relationship with Everan McCartans’ Character (Nigel Bottom) was both believable and wholesome, showcased in their lovely duet “I Love the Way” where their physicality and commitment helped to set the tone of their partnership, encouraging the entire crowd to root for them.
Everan McCartan was surely an audience favorite due to his big goofy energy and well thought out comedic timing. His acting was somewhat naturalistic while still managing to fit the over the top and caricature theme, creating an underdog that anyone could empathize with. He masterfully played the jokes written in, while adding creative bits, resulting in constant laughter from everyone in the house. Similarly, Benjamin Williams (Nostradamus) used dramatic physicality to keep the humorous tone; his vocals were clear and refreshing, making the number “A Musical” a definite showstopper.
Joey Paulin played Nick Bottom wonderfully, with clear intentions for every action. There was never a moment where he wasn’t tuned in, ensuring audience engagement till the end. His chemistry with Anna Shmitt (Bea) was both believable and endearing, reminding us that true love can be shown in many ways. The set was minimalistic, causing the actors and live orchestra to be highlighted, drawing viewers’ eyes to the focus.
Overall it was a heartwarming show about staying true to what you believe, with hilarious tid-bits along the way. I applaud the ensemble for their dedication that most definitely paid off. The production runs through March 15th at the Trinity High School theater; you can find tickets at https://www.trinitydota.com/ or at their door.
