On March 21-23, the Penn State University Thespian Society presented their spring main stage performance of the hit Broadway musical “Something Rotten” in the Schwab Auditorium. The show is set in the time of Renaissance England and follows two struggling playwright brothers, Nick and Niegel Bottom, as they attempt to create a hit show as successful as the king of literature, William Shakespeare.
Welcome to the Renaissance!
“Something Rotten!” is full of lively musical numbers and witty lines and VALLEY had the privilege of attending the show and speaking to cast and crew members first hand. The performance consisted of romance, drama, many comedic moments, fun costuming and set design that engaged the audience and kept them wanting more.
From the Cast and Crew
Ella Bradner, director of the show and a fourth-year secondary English education major with a theater minor revealed her favorite aspect of “Something Rotten!”:
“Something I really love about this show is the fact that it is such an homage to theater. It’s why we’re all here. It highlights Shakespeare, the king of drama while also combining pieces of contemporary American musical theater.”
Ella Bradner on her time directing “Something Rotten!”
Aaron Kern, a fourth-year aerospace engineering major, took a chance auditioning for “Something Rotten!” after being involved in the Thespian Society behind the scenes during his time so far at Penn State. He served as the head sound designer and is also currently the club’s history/alumni relations liaison. Kern was given his time on the stage as he was casted as the role of Nick Bottom, Shakespeare’s most envious “fan.” He shared his most special moments of being involved in “Something Rotten!”:
”My favorite memory has got to be being backstage and seeing the scenes I am not a part of come to life. I get to cheer everyone on after they walk off stage. We get to do what we all love together.”
Aaron Kern on his time as Nick Bottom in “Something Rotten!”
VALLEY’s own Greta Agee costumed the cast and had a major part in this story coming to life on stage. She has been involved in the PSU Thespian Society since they produced “Sweeny Todd”, after being urged to apply as costume director by one of her best friends who is also a part of Thespians.
Greta Agee on her time costuming “Something Rotten!”
“I’ve always had a passion for fashion and Thespians has really brought out my love for costuming. Getting to work behind the scenes, creating characters and bringing them to life with this show has been such an amazing experience.”
Greta also revealed the challenges she faced while working to costume this show:
”The many costume changes have been the biggest challenge of this show. It’s also been one of my favorite parts, dealing with the trial and errors and problem solving.”
Greta Agee on her time costuming “Something Rotten!”
(S)he’s Shakespeare!
Something especially unique about this production of “Something Rotten!” was the creative choice to cast a woman in the role of Shakespeare. This decision was an intriguing addition that made this show special and it added an extra humorous element. Grace O’Sullivan, a fourth-year biology major was graced with the task of this coveted role. One of which she made her own.
Grace O’Sullivan on her time playing Shakespeare in “Something Rotten!”
“Playing a man was definitely something that was unexpected and out of my comfort zone. I was happy to take it on but it has been very different from any role I’ve had before.”
Grace also told VALLEY what the most exciting aspect of taking on this character has been:
“It’s been super fun being able to study men and decide what aspects of theirs I could take and implement into my performance. I’ve been really grateful for this opportunity.”
Grace O’Sullivan on her time playing Shakespeare in “Something Rotten!”
A Bright Corner in the Big World of Penn State
The PSU Thespian Society is a community of students with a love for creating and entertaining. Their hard work is evident and is displayed across the stage. Ella Bradner shared her passion for this club to VALLEY:
“I love Penn State club theater because people do this out of a love for theater, not just as a job or a way to make money.”
Ella Bradner on her time working on “Something Rotten!”
You can check out more information about the PSU Thespian Society on their social media @psuthespiansociety or through their website https://www.psuthespiansociety.com!
