It's Hard to Be the Bard: Music Theatre Wichita Stages 'Something Rotten'

A New Chapter for "Something Rotten" at Music Theatre Wichita

Eric Sciotto has always had a deep connection with the musical comedy "Something Rotten." As an actor, he portrayed William Shakespeare in the original Broadway production that ran from 2015 to 2017. Now, he's stepping into a new role as the director of the show for the first time, bringing his experience back to Music Theatre Wichita (MTW). This marks a significant moment in his career, as he continues to contribute to the theater scene with a blend of creativity and expertise.

Sciotto’s journey with MTW began in the 1996-1997 season, and since then, he has returned to choreograph "The Wizard of Oz" in 2022, direct "Rock of Ages" in 2023, and even perform both roles in last year's "9 to 5." His return to "Something Rotten" is not just a professional milestone but also a personal one, as he reflects on the formative process of the show and the many rewrites that shaped it over time.

"I was lucky enough to be in the original cast and witness all the changes," Sciotto said. "This gives me a unique perspective on the characters and their potential, even though the show gets streamlined. It's a rich tapestry of storytelling that I'm excited to bring to life again."

Set in 1595 London, "Something Rotten" follows the Bottom brothers, who decide to outdo their rival Shakespeare by introducing the concept of musical comedy. The show is known for its humor, creativity, and clever references to classic Broadway works. Sciotto recalls the experience of being part of the original cast as nothing short of thrilling.

"The idea of the show is completely nuts and new, and not like anything else," he said. "It was a blast working with such talented people, and the experience was incredibly rewarding."

One of the most intriguing aspects of the show is its abundance of Easter eggs and homages to Broadway classics. These references are woven throughout the script, lyrics, and even the choreography. Sciotto noted that the creative team added layers of meaning that even some of the performers didn't initially notice.

"There were poster boards with all the references we found during rehearsals," he explained. "But what's interesting is that these nods are embedded in every aspect of the show—lyrics, orchestrations, and choreography. By the time we were well into the run, there were so many that someone even made a video highlighting them. But there are still more to discover."

MTW artistic director Brian J. Marcum highlighted that some of the references have a local flavor, including nods to previous and upcoming shows in the season. This adds an extra layer of engagement for audiences familiar with the theater's history.

Sciotto's direction of "Something Rotten" continues a trend this season of artists with Broadway experience returning to MTW to direct the same musicals. Many of the cast members interviewed during the first week of rehearsals shared how they were inspired by the original Broadway run and wanted to be part of this production.

Chelsey Lynn Alfredo, who plays the unflappable wife of one of the Bottom brothers, expressed her excitement about the opportunity. "I've loved this musical ever since, and it's been a dream role. It's been on my bucket list for a decade now," she said. "The humor and brilliance of the show are undeniable, and I couldn't resist the chance to be part of it."

Sam Harvey, who plays Shakespeare, was inspired by Christian Borle's performance in the original production. "The second I saw him shake his booty, I knew I had to play that role," he said. "Eric has given me a lot of wonderful options, and I'm grateful for his guidance."

Eric Coles, who plays Nick Bottom, shares a similar story. He was part of the national tour of "Something Rotten" in 2017-18 and witnessed the changes that were later incorporated into the show. "It's amazing to see how the show evolved, and I'm excited to be part of this version," he said.

Originally scheduled for MTW in 2020, "Something Rotten" was postponed due to the pandemic. However, the production is now set to debut, featuring a stunning set designed by Jordan Slusher in 2019. The set includes 17 hand-painted drops, adding a visual richness to the performance.

Show Details

When:
7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Aug. 20-21; 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 22-23; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 23-24; 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24

Where:
Century II concert hall, 225 W. Douglas

Tickets:
$25-$83, available at mtwichita.org, 316-265-3107, or at the Century II box office.