Something Rotten! A Musical Comedy at Stratford
Last Wednesday, the Grade 11 and 12 Drama, Grade 12 English, and Grade 9–12 Vocal Music classes traded their classrooms for the wonderful Festival Theatre in Stratford to see a production of Something Rotten!, a musical comedy. The show follows Nick and Nigel Bottom, two desperate playwright brothers who are struggling to escape the shadow of the bedazzled, rockstar celebrity that is William Shakespeare. Desperate to prove himself as better than Shakespeare, Nick consults a rather questionable soothsayer who says that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting all at once. Using that, the brothers attempt to write the world’s very first musical: Omelette.
I am a member of both the Grade 11/12 Drama class and the Grade 12 AP English class, so I found it incredible to look at this show through both of those lenses. Grade 12s will be exploring Othello or Hamlet this year in class, and this production was a fantastic way to see Shakespeare’s work being used in a high-energy, absolutely hilarious, way. Drama students got an opportunity to see impeccable comedic timing, coordination, and dynamic character work. Vocal Music students were also able to hear soaring vocals, complex ensemble harmonies, and bright showstoppers that had the audience on the edge of their seats the entire time.
Something Rotten! is truly a love letter to musicals and the joy of performing. What I particularly loved about the show is how art allows us to engage at whatever level we choose, whether you're looking for sheer high energy, clever deep cuts, or simply a fun afternoon, there is something for everyone. From the over-the-top tap dance battles to the endless stream of musical theatre references, Stratford gave us a show that reminds us why we love the performing arts in the first place. So, if the question is, "To go, or not to go?" the answer is simple: go see Something Rotten! while it’s still at Stratford.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
