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“Something Rotten” is a show that, ever since it came out on Broadway, I knew I wanted to one day bring to life on the stage. It is a show that combines two of my favourite theatrical phenomenona: Shakespeare and the Modern-Day Musical. The writing is superb and laced with more references to both Shakespearian and Musical history than I can begin to count—most of which I had to explain and teach the students about. The music is both complex and witty, and done in a comedic style that echoes Monty Python, another favourite of mine.

Above all that though, it has a central theme that many years ago I committed to, or tried to, in my own life. Long before this play was written, I had a Shakespearian quote tattooed on my back, “to thine own self be true”. In my opinion, it is the greatest line Shakespeare ever wrote. This show, between all the laughs, outrageous misunderstandings and misinterpretations, is about finding oneself, and standing up for what we believe in. It is about family, learning to listen, risk-taking, love and forgiveness. All things we need more than ever in our world.

This show has pushed these students as performers and as people, and I am so proud of all of them. This is not an easy production at any level of experience, but I knew without a doubt this was the right group of young people to tackle it with. The students have grown so much as artists in the year and a half I have known them. In only my second year at Belmont, we have more than doubled the number of students involved in Musical Theatre, reaching approximately 105 students. It was already time for a show of this caliber.

Thank you to everyone who stepped up and helped make this show happen. Max Spencer for working with the Pit Band on this tough music and helping with the complicated vocals in the show; Siobhan Barker for re-joining me as choreographer and making the drive from downtown to bring this weird and wacky show to life; Aisling Kennedy, who joined the team as we were well underway to help with the staggering 61 students in crew; the admin team at Belmont for all their support; the numerus volunteers, and my family for letting me do this crazy thing I do and be away from them so much this time of year.

I hope you enjoy this show as much as I do. “It’s a Musical!” - Nette