“Something Rotten!” is coming to the RiverPark Center Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. Although the name does not tell what the play is truly about, those that know Renaissance stage history will remember that audiences were allowed to throw food, specifically rotten food, at actors in a play that was not well received.
Set in London, England in the late 1500s, when Shakespeare was the ruling playwright, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are trying desperately to write a play that will keep their acting company in business.
A local soothsayer informs them that the future of theatre involves singing, acting and dancing — all at the same time, so the Bottom brothers begin writing the very first musical.
“‘Something Rotten!’ is pure fun,” said ensemble actor Brian Cowing. “I hope we put a smile on your face and make your day brighter. Right now I feel like we all need a good laugh, and that’s exactly what this show gives you.”
The musical, considered “hysterical” and “joyous” in Broadway reviews, was nominated for 10 Tony awards. RiverPark Center’s Board Chairman Jeff Ebelhar said that Owensboro audiences get to see a musical with a “rotten name.”
“This show is all about costume changes for the ensemble; I personally have 13 changes and many members have more,” Cowing said.
Ebelhar thinks this production is going to be the RPC Broadway series “sleeper of the year.”
“I think many will leave saying ‘I wish I’d told a friend to come see it,’” Ebelhar said.
This cast started rehearsals the end of August 2018 and is now in the fifth month of the tour, according to Cowing.
Ebelhar said that the Broadway series of shows at RiverPark basically offers theatergoers the opportunity to see shows for half the price of a Broadway show — and go home after.
Tickets range in price from $45 to $67.50 and are available by calling the RiverPark Center or visiting their website.
