Something Rotten!

Don’t be a penis, the man is a genius

Something Rotten!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

EXTENDED, Runs: May 28 to November 17, 2024.

The second show of our two show day, HOLY I am in love with this show. I was in pure bliss for the two-hour and thirty-eight minute run time.

The comedy, the references to classic musicals, the LOVE and appreciation for musical theatre as a whole? I am weeping. Donna Feore has directed and choreographed a masterpiece.

And, for the first time in a while at the Stratford Festival, I saw DIVERSE AUDIENCE AGES??????? Children, teens, adults and elderly people were sitting together in harmony??? What a concept!

No offence, but I find that both the Shaw and Stratford Festivals don’t always have a finger on the pulse of popularity. (Fine, but this will not be a sustainable model forever). This and Spamalot (2023) seem like a step in the right direction by Stratford to get younger bums into seats. In my opinion, Shaw Festival should consider putting on more musicals like this- an entry point for younger crowds but still appeals to their primary ticket-holders.

Audience rant over.

If you love theatre, you’ll love this. In fact, I think I might have to make another trip out to Stratford before it closes in November.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE: Dan Chameroy as Nostradamus. I’ve seen him in a few productions over the years but this role felt like it was made for him. The energy!

FUN FACT: In a huge oversight by me, I didn’t really know much about the show besides the fact that it closed fairly prematurely compared to other shows at this time. Honestly, it’s kind of fitting that Rotten! (similar to the musical Eggs! being overshadowed by Shakespeare’s Hamlet) was overshadowed by Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton.

TICKET TIP: Stratford Festival offers a number of “Pay What You Can” days. Additionally, they have obstructed view seats for a discounted rate. Tickets can be purchased directly from their website. Or, befriend a Stratford worker ;)