"Something Rotten" A Magnificent Musical at The Ahmanson Theatre!

"Something Rotten" had me at hello. The tour de force features stunning vibrant costumes, fantastic fascinating choreography, expert powerhouse vocals, and a smart astute script filled with one gem after another in rapid succession.

I was pleasantly surprised because when I heard it was about Shakespeare, I thought I’d be in for a long dull boring evening. However, quite the opposite transpired. I was completely blown away and mesmerized from the captivating opening number to the magical closing. I didn’t want this unique first-rate lively lovely production to end.

A memorable highlight is the skillful TAP dancing that will sweep you off your feet and knock you out of your seat. For anyone who is an aficionado of musicals, be prepared for a wild ride through the history of the genre. Even if you’re a novice to this fabulous format, you will be wowed and instantly transformed into an excited recruit.

After a taste of “Something Rotten,” you will enthusiastically crave to continue the journey into the wonderful world of musical theatre. Evidence that you’ve come upon a treasure and found the holy grail, is when the audience is brought to their feet right in the middle of the presentation!

In one of the superb songs, fast paced lyrics manage to reference a multitude of outstanding classics, including Sound of Music, Hamlet, Chorus Line, Hamilton, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins, The King and I, The Music Man, to name a few.

Several showstoppers caused the packed house to rise with passionate applause and fervent exclaims of awe. I’ve never witnessed that before, eventhough I’ve been an avid theatregoer for eons.

It was exhilarating to realize the entire room was as elated as I was. To my delight, each number surpassed the previous one, raising the bar from top notch and tremendous, to superlative and supreme, to exceptional and exemplary.

All I can say is “Something Rotten” is Something Simply Divine!! The entire cast is at the top of their game and you will be honored to be part of their glory, feeling euphoric that you’re watching perfection at it’s peak!!

Don’t let the title deter you as “Something Rotten” is the freshest idea since Shakespeare! William would be proud!!

I had the privilege and pleasure of interviewing the mind blowing artiste, Blake Hammond, (see featured photo above) who plays Nostradamus, a central character to the plot with "future seeing abilities." Here are some excerpts:

Blake acknowledged his appreciation for the chance to perform at the Ahmanson Theatre because it's a beautiful complex, while noting that the best part has been the audiences. "LA seems to love "Something Rotten" and I'm loving them right back."

He stresses the excitement at participating in a brand new show. "It’s so wonderful to work on a project that didn’t originate from a book or a movie or some other source material. This is an original creation and I hope people don’t miss the opportunity to see this show. I promise lots and lots of laughter."

Blake compliments the "spectacular" cast as "very positive, funny, and loving people," stressing the rarity of "enjoying seeing and saying hello to everyone on a daily basis.

Recalling his favorite scene, Blake said Act 2 Scene 2 aka "the eggs scene," is fun since there are lots of actors and "I have great jokes and get to sit down for most of it...always a plus." For Blake, leading the song, "A Musical," is one of the "truly special moments, not only in this show, but in musical theatre itself.

When asked about the appeal of musicals to the multitudes, Blake affirms: "Music is such a great tool to make you laugh or cry or feel a variety of emotions. That’s true in opera and on the radio as well. But I think it’s the art form itself that brings the magic to the theatre. For Something Rotten! in particular, I find the audiences respond to the comedy of the story and the incredible production numbers. It’s always such a joy to bring the laughter to people’s lives night after night. We all need some joy in our lives."

Blake offered valuable pearls of wisdom for aspiring artists. "Try and be as debt free as possible when starting out. So many early jobs pay very little money. But if you can afford to take those gigs, you will meet so many people along the way that will someday be your director, choreographer, or even a casting director. Talent is great, but experience and who you know is always a leg up."

Presented by Center Theatre Group, the Los Angeles engagement is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (“The Book of Mormon,” “Aladdin”); with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Wayne Kirkpatrick and Golden Globe Award and Tony Award nominee Karey Kirkpatrick; and a book by Tony Award nominees Karey Kirkpatrick and best-selling author John O’Farrell.

Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Something Rotten!” brings to our wonderful city three principal cast members direct from Broadway: Rob McClure as Nick Bottom, Adam Pascal as Shakespeare and Josh Grisetti as Nigel Bottom.

From the director of “Aladdin” and co-director of “The Book of Mormon” and the producer of “Rent,” “Avenue Q” and “In the Heights,” the side splitting comedy tells the story of brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two playwrights stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rockstar, Will Shakespeare. When a soothsayer foretells the next big thing in theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, the Bottom brothers set out to write the world's very first musical.

Tickets for “Something Rotten!” are available by calling (213) 972-4400; online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org; or by visiting the Center Theatre Group Box Office located at the Ahmanson Theatre. Tickets range from $30 – $140 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, 90012.