Northeast Pennsylvania’s finest and well-rounded performers will take the stage Friday when the Pennsylvania Theater of Performing Arts re-opens its doors in celebration of the grand re-opening production of Something Rotten!”
“Something Rotten!” is a 10-time Tony-nominated musical that graced the Great White Way from 2015 through 2017. The production is being led by a veteran production team comprised of Samantha Schugardt (director/choreographer), Chris LaFrance (music director), Michael Wawrzynek (technical director), Eyanna Gruver (costume designer) and Jennifer Hoats (prop master).
Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play, but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.”
When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self and all that jazz.
“Something Rotten!” features large song and dance numbers and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given his or her own special moment in the show to shine.
Throughout its Broadway run, the musical received a show-stopping standing ovation from audiences … in the beginning of the first act.
PTPA is telling its version of “Something Rotten!” with leading players from across Northeast Pennsylvania. The cast is led by audience favorites Dane Bower (Nick Bottom), Mike Wawrzynek (Shakespeare), Karl Kleist (Nigel Bottom), Cate McDonald (Bea Bottom) and Eyanna Gruver (Portia).
Additional principal actors include Jimmy Williams (Nostradamus), Jahmeel Powers (Brother Jeremiah), Adam Randis (Shylock), Elizabeth Powers (Lady Clapham) and Ian Owens (The Minstrel).
The ensemble is rounded out by familiar faces to the stage Tina Becker, Ayanna Cherry, Nichole Conrad, Alyssa Degosky, Michael Ecker, Nelson Ferreira, Yeiber Gonzalex, Amanda Alexa Hall, Rebekah Hoats, Henry Lorenzi, Joseph Maguschak, Molly Maguschak, Emily Meier, Chloe Orfanella, Sydney Powell, Shea Quinn, Scott Rave, Jessica Schaer, Marianna Oplinger and Natalee Zambotti.
The Pennsylvania Theater of Performing Arts is in the J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton, and has been offering live theater, music and arts productions since 2003.
Performance dates are July 30 and 31 and Aug. 1, 6-7, and 13-15. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Doors will open approximately one hour prior to curtain.
Upgraded concessions will be available ala carte at all performances, both pre-show and at intermission.
“Something Rotten!” will also offer a cash bar for those 21 years and older. Signature drinks will be available for purchase when entering the lobby.
“Something Rotten!” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Tickets are $22 for show only for adults. Discount rates are offered for students, senior-citizens ($20) and children under 12 ($12).
Table seating is limited and not guaranteed. For reservations, visit ptpashows.org. To purchase tickets at the door, visit the box office up to one hour prior to the show. For more information, email BoxOffice@PTPAShows.org.
