You might have (or think you have) an allergy to the works of William Shakespeare. It’s understandable to assume that the Bard’s lengthy, detailed plays — written 425 years ago mostly in iambic pentameter — might not be interesting or even comprehensible to a modern audience. Regardless, I’ve got good news. Enjoying Music Theatre Wichita’s "Something Rotten!," on stage through Sunday, doesn’t depend on loving, or even knowing that much about, Shakespeare. Here are reasons why.

1. Sometimes even theater people dislike Shakespeare

In spite of the fact that this canny show — with book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrel, and music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick — is chock-full of references to the playwright’s famous plays, characters, and lines, one of the first numbers in the show is called, “God I Hate Shakespeare.” This sentiment is expressed by Nick Bottom (Eric Coles) as he debates with his brother, Nigel (Merrick Thoebald Jr.) about whether Will is a poetic genius or a bloviating ass. According to this musical comedy take, they are both right.

2. Even a jackass can be a cult leader, if he has enough charm 

Sam Harvey as Shakespeare has it in spades, while simultaneously being the kind of guy you want to desperately avoid at a party. You can see how his Bard cultivated this rabid following, acknowledge that he’s got a way with words, even admit that he’s a certain kind of sexy. But … ick. Harvey’s manic, over-the-top rock star performance is adorable and annoying. I’m sold.

3. This show is not historically or literarily accurate

Typing this sentence made me laugh out loud remembering perfectly outrageous scenes in this musical — and by perfectly, I mean perfect. I’m not going to share details, because many are genuinely surprising and I don’t want to be a spoiler. Let’s just say that there are many, many, many, many musical theater references in this production that may or may not make sense in the context of a show that is allegedly about Shakespeare.

4. If I had to compare this to something, it would be “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle”

As written, the characters are cartoonish, some more than others, but even more “serious” ones — such as Nigel and his sweet love interest, Portia (Regine Sophia) — are cookie-cutter in the best satirical way. The cast, directed by Eric Sciotto, leans into this animated construct, creating bold (and oddly believable!) characters at a pace that builds to a frenzy. The effect is a riotous contrast of highbrow and lowbrow, smart and utterly ridiculous, that reminds me of how the above-mentioned cartoon classic was beloved by viewers regardless of age. Wednesday’s opening night audience laughed out loud over and over.

5. But it’s more visually compelling than “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle”

The sets by Jordan Slusher are everything “Something Rotten!” needs, placed as it is in London around 1600. The designer effectively achieves the show’s many locations — including but not limited to a London street, a humble home, a theater we assume is Shakespeare’s Globe, and a courtroom — using 17 stunning handpainted drops. Their illustrative style reflects the lighthearted spirit of this show and reinforces, in an elevated way, the animated nature of this production. Lighting design by Helen Kuukka complements the gorgeous set, making it glow at times in a magnificent way. A seemingly endless parade of bustled and codpieced costumes by Greg Barnes is a whirlwind of colors and textures on the ever-moving cast of actors and dancers. And the wigs! The artistry of Katie Crandall is the perfect crowning touch. 

6. This cast is so fun to watch

Talk about commitment to the concept! Everyone on stage is full-tilt in it. When they are sincere, it’s honestly moving. When they are silly, totally absurd. This is true all around. In addition to Harvey’s Shakespeare, highlights include Coles and Thoebald Jr.’s Bottom Brothers, John Scherer as the very-nearly-accurate prognosticator Nostradamus, Steve Hitchcock’s side-splitting send-up of uptight preacher Brother Jeremiah, and Chelsey Lynn Alfredo as the loyal, rough-and-tumble Bea.

7. The dancing! The voices! The orchestra! 

Who is surprised when I reflect on the exhilarating, wildly paced dance in this production? No one, of course. Director Sciotto also choreographs and has a lively, skilled team in the Music Theatre Wichita ensemble. They are on their feet (or in the air) a majority of the show — and they make this seem effortless. Strong voices throughout are punctuated by exceptional vocal work by Harvey, Kirkman, Theobald Jr., and Alfredo. And, always impressive, there is the soaring MTW orchestra, led by music director Thomas W. Douglas.

8. This show is a little naughtier than most MTW productions

Not disgusting-naughty or offensive-naughty. Just bawdy-naughty, and who doesn’t need that? It feels like a show that was designed for adults, albeit adults who love a good cultural reference — and can also belly laugh at a truly idiotic joke. (See: “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle.”)

The Details

Music Theatre Wichita presents “Something Rotten!"
August 20-24, 2025, at Century II Performing Arts Center, 225 W. Douglas Ave. in Wichita 

Tickets are $25-$86. Discounts are available.

ASL will be provided during the 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. 

Learn more and buy tickets. 

Teri Mott is a writer and actor in Wichita, Kansas, where she covers the arts as a critic and feature writer. She is co-founder of the SHOUT.

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