MURRAY — It’s amphitheater season across the Wasatch Front, and summer nights in Utah simply aren’t complete without experiencing outdoor theater. With so many great productions happening around the valley, Murray Arts’ dazzling staging of Something Rotten! should be at the very top of your list.
If you haven’t seen Something Rotten! yet, you’re in for a treat. This show is laugh-out-loud funny, packed with musical theater and Shakespearean references that will delight seasoned theater lovers. Even for newcomers or the theater-reluctant, it’s a wildly entertaining introduction to live performance—thanks to its irreverent tone and fast-paced comedy. And if you’re not a fan of Shakespeare, don’t worry: neither is the main character!
The musical recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary since debuting on Broadway in April 2015. It was nominated for ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and won for Best Featured Actor thanks to Christian Borle’s unforgettable turn as Shakespeare.
Set in 1595, Something Rotten! follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two struggling playwrights living in the shadow of the wildly popular William Shakespeare. Desperate for a hit, they turn to a soothsayer, Thomas Nostradamus, who predicts the next big thing in theater: musicals. What follows is a hilarious romp full of singing, dancing, mistaken prophecies, and eggs—yes, eggs.
Murray’s production is a total crowd-pleaser. Every lead performer brings energy and charm to the stage, with sharp comedic timing and expressive physicality. Vocals are strong across the board, and the ensemble dance numbers are especially entertaining. Adding to the magic is an outstanding live orchestra, which brings the music to life with richness and precision. Their performance adds depth to every number, elevating the entire production.
Something Rotten plays through June 21, 2025 | Photo: Mark Brown
Nathan Holcomb is a natural as Nick Bottom. His cynical jabs at Shakespeare are well-played, and his vocals shine in numbers like “Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top,” “Make an Omelette,” and “God, I Hate Shakespeare.” His chemistry with both Nigel (his brother) and Bea (his wife) is excellent. A multi-talented force, Holcomb is no stranger to the stage, having also worked behind the scenes as a director and pit maestro.
Patrick O’Boyle returns to Murray after last season’s memorable Hunchback of Notre Dame, and he’s clearly at home here. As Nigel Bottom, he brings a heartfelt sincerity to the role, especially in his sweet and earnest scenes with Portia, played by the talented Emma Roberts. Their duets, “I Love the Way” and “We See the Light,” are tender highlights, and Roberts impresses with her vocal strength and charisma.
Katherine Frandsen, as Bea Bottom, is a scene-stealer. Her solo “Right Hand Man” is both funny and empowering, and her comedic presence adds punch throughout. A physical gag involving a wooden beam earned big laughs, perfectly punctuating her character’s early-feminist attitude in the 1590s.
Aidan Hughes is well-cast as the swaggering Shakespeare, bringing rock star flair to “Will Power” and exuding over-the-top charm. He’s a joy to watch, and his confidence is infectious.
Alan LeFleur is a crowd favorite as the eccentric Thomas Nostradamus (nephew of the Nostradamus). His comedic timing is razor-sharp, but his future telling is a little fuzzy. He had the audience in stitches with every appearance. LeFleur also choreographed the show, pulling double duty with great success.
The ensemble absolutely dazzles. Big production numbers like “Welcome to the Renaissance” are catchy and energetic, and “A Musical” is an absolute standout, packed with nods to over 20 other Broadway shows. Keen-eyed theatergoers will love all the Easter eggs—like a mistaken retelling of The Sound of Music, complete with confusion about whether the Nazis are the heroes, and a sly joke about “how do you solve a problem like Ophelia?”
Choreography throughout is bold and ambitious. The audience was treated to not one, not two, but three tap dance sequences—one involving 20 performers in tap shoes. The tap-off between Shakespeare and Nick was especially fun. And during “Make an Omelette,” audiences were treated to dancing eggs, juggling omelets, and full kick lines. Costumes were largely period-appropriate, but peppered with playful musical-theater references—look closely and you’ll even spot Joseph’s technicolor dreamcoat.
The only hiccup of the evening was some sound system trouble, with occasional microphone issues. This appeared to be a one-off technical glitch, as this venue is typically reliable.
While the show was described by ushers as PG, parents should note it leans closer to PG-13. There’s a fair amount of innuendo and a few four-letter words, though much of the edgier content will fly right over younger viewers’ heads.
Director Candy Tippetts should be extremely proud of this high-energy, thoroughly enjoyable production. Something Rotten! is clever, colorful, and packed with heart. Whether you’re a lifelong theater fan or just looking for a great night out, don’t miss your chance to see it.
These reviews are made possible by a grant from the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks program.
