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When I first heard the title of this musical, without looking for further information about the plot, I thought it would, at least, mention Shakespeare (“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark…”- from Hamlet), but the exclamation point at the end also suggested that it would not be a drama. And, to my surprise and happiness, it’s a musical about musicals (and yes, Shakespeare is in it)!
Set in the 1590s, it tells the story of two brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom (Brian d’Arcy James and John Cariani), who are trying to write a play that would make them more successful than William Shakespeare (Christian Borle). With no ideas and almost no money, Nick goes after a soothsayer named Nostradamus (not The Nostradamus, but his nephew!), played by Brad Oscar, and asks him what will be successful in the theater in the future. The answer? Musicals!
It’s hilarious from beginning to end and it’s an ode to musicals. So I wonder if someone who doesn’t like musicals that much will get the countless references to famous musicals throughout the show, but nothing that would prevent everyone from having fun.
The entire cast is brilliant, no wonder why 3 of them were nominated to this year’s Tony Awards (Christian Borle won for Best Featured Actor in a Musical). His portrait of a proud and selfish Shakespeare is really inspired, but, to me, the funniest character really is Nostradamus, especially when he’s having his visions.
If you’re in New York, like musicals and likes to laugh, this is your show. I’ll leave you with their performance at the Tony Awards (the show’s version is a little longer and it received a standing ovation at the performance I attended). Can you name all the musical references they make?
