'Something Rotten' brings 1590s England to life

Story and Photo by Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

Grand Island High School will present, as its 2025 musical, “Something Rotten,” a comedy based on the book by John O’Farrell, with lyrics and music by Karey and Wayne Fitzpatrick.

The production, to be held at the Grand Island High School’s Grand Viking Theater, is set for Feb. 6-8.

“The show is set in (England in the) 1590s and follows two struggling playwrights, Nick and Nigel Bottom. They are brothers, who are desperate to outshine the legendary William Shakespeare,” said Alejandro Perez, who portrays Shakespeare, at the Feb. 3 Grand Island Central School District Board of Education meeting.

“But, when they seek the help of a so-called soothsayer, they stumble upon an idea so outrageous, so groundbreaking, that it just might change theater forever. The result: the very first musical. It’s a very fun journey,” Alejandro explained.

“We have 35 kids in the cast and about equal to that in the pit, I believe,” said director and producer Amy Boutet. “Tomorrow, we are going to be performing for the high school students. We are really excited to showcase some of our numbers.”

“I did not know this show, and I have thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the auditorium, watching the rehearsals,” Grand Island Central School District Superintendent Brian Graham said.

Putting together a production such as this takes teamwork.

“Along with the performers, the pit orchestra, led by Mr. Ells and Mr. Reed, will accompany the cast to bring the show to life,” said cast member Annabelle Linenfelser, who served as the high school ambassador for the board meeting.

“I have Mrs. Jennifer Mernitz,” Boutet said. “She’s our vocal director, but she also does so many other things, as the kids all know: set design and helping with the props, and the list goes on. And then, we have from (Veronica Connor Middle School), Mrs. Jessica Tripi-Rogers, who is our choreographer. The three of us are kind of known as ‘The Directors’ because we have been working together as a team to bring this together.

“You heard Annabelle talk about Matthew Ells and John Reed, who have been doing the pit conducting and getting the pit ready for their part in the show. Then we also have Mr. Shawn Sweet (woodworking teacher), who’s helped to build the set; as well as Mr. Mark Gorton, who has been doing the technical stuff in the back; and then, Mrs. Amelia Scinta, who is our lighting designer. So, we’re very lucky to have a robust amount of staff here at the high school who are all involved. We also have Mrs. Nanette Keller, who is one of our SRP members. She is one of our vocal assistants, who helps out, and numerous parents and community members, who have been involved in costume design and set design. It really does take a team.”

Shows are set for 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 6 p.m. Saturday. Presale tickets are available online for $12, or purchase at the door for $15. A discount is offered for seniors and students.

“There are so many wonderful numbers in this production, and we really hope the community comes out and supports us,” Boutet said. “It’s not a big blockbuster show, but it was a wonderful show on Broadway.”

The New York City production of “Something Rotten” opened in 2015 and ran for 708 performances. It was nominated for 10 Tony awards. International performances and tours have followed the Broadway run.

“Not knowing what the show was, while sitting through it, I’m a big fan now,” Graham said. “I’ve never seen it before. I think the community’s going to love it. There are really great, catchy numbers, and the dancing is outstanding.”