by Emily Edleman
In “Something Rotten,” currently being performed by the Dorset Players, Nick Bottom and his brother, Nigel, run a theater troupe in 1590s London and are trying to come up with the Next Big Thing before their archrival, William Shakespeare, does so himself.
John Lee as Nigel was awkward, humble and easy to like. Director/choreographer Renee Wymer played his love interest, the equally awkward and charming Portia, and watching them nerd out over poetry together was delightful. Josh Bond rendered a terrific Shakespeare, injecting more charisma and stage presence into the role than his predecessors in some of the professional productions I’ve seen. As Brother Jeremiah, Mark McChesney negotiated his character’s many double entrendres with aplomb. David McAneney’s attractive and functional set design allowed the cast of 26 plenty of room to maneuver.
Josh Bond (Shakespeare) Lina Cloffe (Minstrel) John Lee (Nigel Bottom) Michael Giordano (Nick Bottom) in the Dorset Players production of “Something Rotten”, directed and choreographed by Renee Wymer. 
Rayleen Carangio-Speirs (Bea Bottom) (partial view of John Lee as Nigel) Michael Giordano (Nick Bottom) in the Dorset Players production of “Something Rotten”, directed and choreographed by Renee Wymer. 
Mary Jo Greco (Nostradamus) Michael Giordano (Nick Bottom) in the Dorset Players production of “Something Rotten”, directed and choreographed by Renee Wymer. 
Josh Bond (Shakespeare) with Cast in the Dorset Players production of “Something Rotten”, directed and choreographed by Renee Wymer. 
Margaret McChesney (court Clerk) Julie Newirth Redington (Lord Falstaff) Mark McChesney (Brother Jeremiah) Roberta Devlin-Scherer (BJ Box Boy) in the Dorset Players production of “Something Rotten”, directed and choreographed by Renee Wymer. 
There were points at which the whole cast (or nearly) was onstage and it was difficult to understand any of the lyrics being sung. This was especially frustrating during the opening song, which sets the scene for the entire story: If you are familiar with the show, you understand what is coming, but if you’re not, it might become difficult follow along.
“Something Rotten” is a favorite of mine and works well in a community theater setting because of its ability to accommodate a large cast and its crowd-pleasing appeal to musical theater lovers in general; the references to other shows are many and I picked up on a few during this production that I hadn’t noticed before. Plus, the Act II number “Make an Omelette” was even more goofy, ridiculous and fun here than I was expecting and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard during that portion of the show. There are just a few more chances to see the Dorset Players’ rendition of this hilarious musical, which closes Sunday, May 24.
Something Rotten, Book by Karey Kirkpatrick & John O’Farrell. Music and lyrics by Wayne & Karey Kirkpatrick. Director/choreographer: Renee Wymer. Assistant director: Dana Haley. Music director: Lorri Bond. Producer: Lynne Worth. Stage management: Dylan Galante. Assistant stage manager: Laura Schroeder. Costumes: Suzi Dorgeloh, Starr Kemmer, LouAnn Savoyski, Laura Schroeder, Cherie Thompson, cast. Set design: David McAneney. Lighting design: David Groupe. Sound design: Brian Miksis.
The Dorset Players along with Burns Insurance Agency, RE/MAX Four Seasons and Union Underground/Union South present Something Rotten! Performances will be at the Dorset Playhouse, 104 Cheney Rd. Dorset on May 15, 16, 22, 23, at 7:30 PM and May 17 and 24 at 2:00PM. Tickets may be purchased at dorsetplayers.org or 802-867-5777.