RSVP brings raucous Broadway hit to Sunset Theatre

ASHEBORO — The opening sentence of an article should tell you if you want to read further. A dilemma: In discussing a humorous and song-filled show entitled “Something Rotten” with the sincere aim of stirring excited interest, can a writer do better than: 

Are you ready for “Something Rotten”? 

RSVP Community Theatre, with the assistance of the City of Asheboro, will present all-singing, all-dancing performances upon the boards of the Sunset Theatre in Downtown Asheboro on Fridays and Saturdays, July 25-26 and Aug. 1-2, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. July 27 and Aug. 3. Evening shows begin at 7 p.m. 

Maybe the previous first sentence was not the best way to start. But the show is a raucous musical comedy described by some as “over the top” as well as “the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years” by others. 

So why not? The cast and crew of RSVP Community’s production are having a riot preparing the production for you, the home audience. You can’t quite call it “Something Wonderful” even if it is, because it’s Rotten! The title is the most classical thing about this play – ”Something’s rotten in the state of Denmark,” the famous line from Act One of Hamlet by William … Who?

Yes, that one — but this story is about his would-be competitors, the Bottom Brothers, Nick and Nigel, assisted by Nick’s wife Bea, who with the innovative help of Nostradamus’ nephew come up with a radical idea: A theatrical presentation with songs. Their aim is to kick Willy Shake into oblivion. And you, dear audience, are the rapturous recipients of their efforts. 

This one is not for the kids, sweet people. There is questionable language, questionable observations of a cracking wise sort, there is ribaldry afoot. Songs, dances, a full evening of merriment suitable for those who are capable of “wide open.”

The director of this enterprise is the laudable and unflappable Phil Homiller. Director Phil knows how to handle crowds of rowdy actors but Elizabeth Perry Steck, the choreographer, is given the job of making them beautiful to watch. Kathleen Gee is in charge of sonority and she is quite the success. Ann Greene as stage manager is keeping order and continuity orderly and continuous. 

If you have been coming to RSVP summer musicals forever, you will find collaborative pianist Lisa Johnson in her proper place. 

The cast is one of those grand sweeps of the best the community has to offer: 

Shakespeare is John Halsey; Nick Bottom is Giovannie Pinales; Bea is Alicia Kellum; Nigel Bottom is Carlos Peña; Portia is Melody Wimberly; Nostradamus is Ralph Shaw; Brother Jeremiah is J.B. Griffith III; Minstrel is Kathleen Lackey; Lady Clapham is Alisa Smith McNeill; and Shylock is Charlie White. 

The lovely and talented ensemble consists of: 

Abbey Parsons, Bethany Kidd, Brandon Almaźan, Brandon Rancourt, Brian Campos Vasquéz, Carson Shutt, Jack Duranceau, Janet Imrick, Jasmine Hiatt, Judy Deines, Kara Jones, Lydia Nelson, Meredith Mitchell, Nathan Stilin, Nichole Pfuhl, Shannon Lowe, Stephanie Eusebio Contreras, Tatum White and Taylor Coble. 

(See any familiar names? There are a lot of repeat performers there. See any unfamiliar names? That’s testimony of the pull of this annual community project. Next year maybe your name should be there, also.) 

In speaking with the cast, the excitement was palpable: “Great energy!”

“We love this show!”

“Irreverent!” (spoken reverently.)

“A family dynamic”

“Great music!” 

Great dancing!”

“NOT Shakespeare!”

“Showstopping numbers!”

“Fun but challenging dance and music!”

Alecia Kellum (Bea Bottom) said, “I had never heard of this show, but it’s now a favorite.” You may remember Alecia as Dulcinea in “Man of La Mancha” a little while ago. 

Carlos Peña (Nigel Bottom) added, 

“Loved working with the cast!”

Giovanni Pinales (Nick Bottom) said exuberantly “I’m excited. This is my first show with RSVP!” 

The Shakespeare himself (John Halsey) had this to offer, “Most hilarious show I’ve been in. A parody of Shakespeare and musicals. Rockin’ good music!” At the end of our conversation he excused himself with, “Parting is such sweet sorrow…” The man is into his part. 

Please consider auditioning for RSVP shows throughout the year. The process is fun and painless, after a modicum of initial stage fright. We’re all friends here and the show must go on and on and on and has for about 40 years now. 

The authors of this show are Karey Kilpatrick and John O’Farrell (book) and Wayne and Karey Kilpatrick (lyrics and music). 

“Something Rotten” ran for 708 performances on Broadway. Interesting sidenote: SR opened without previews. It just opened on the big street. SR was nominated for 10 Tonys, winning but one for Best Performance By An Actor In A Featured Role: Christian Borle (William Shakespeare). 

Tickets are available online at RSVPtheatre.org or through the good offices of Brightside Gallery (cash money only), and, of course at the door where both cash and card are joyfully received. Prices are $23 Adult Orchestra/ $20 Senior, Student, Military and $20 Adult Balcony/$15 Senior, Student, Military. 

The Globe Theatre, W. Shakespeare’s home venue, could not offer but a few comfortable seats (the rest of the audience were standees), concessions were a bit ragtag unless you like cockles and mussels alive, alive-oh, comfort facilities looked a lot like the great outdoors — it just wasn’t as nice as your own Sunset Theatre. Enjoy the show! The rest is … silence.