Character Descriptions

Questions: Email Teresa Cambetes - tcambetes@gmail.com

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of the Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard" (William Shakespeare). When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre 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 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 ensemble song and dance numbers, and an eccentric cast of over-the-top characters, each given his or her own special moment in the show to shine.

Cast of Characters

Nick Bottom

The main protagonist of the show. A struggling playwright who dreams of having a career like Shakespeare’s. Although Nick is jealous of Shakespeare's success and is stressed about leading his theater Troupe, he means well even though he may be up to some questionable shenanigans.

*Gender: Male

*Strong and sincere actor, who displays maturity and determination.

*Comedic actor

*Strong vocalist (Sings in 'Man I hate Shakespeare', 'Right Hand Man', 'A Musical', 'Bottoms Gonna Be on Top', and more)

*Tap dancing skills a plus

Nigel Bottom

Nick’s sweet younger brother, he is a writer and a poet. He is not very confident and is a little awkward. He falls in love with Portia and, inspired by her confidence in him, Nigel writes verses worthy of Shakespeare himself!

*Gender: Male

*Strong and endearing actor, who display vulnerability, sincerity and determination.

*Comedic actor

*Very strong vocalist (Sings in "Man I hate Shakespeare', 'I Love the Way', 'Will Power', 'Bottoms Gonna Be on Top', 'We see the Light', 'Nigel's Theme', 'To Thine Own Self Be True', and more)

William Shakespeare

A renaissance ROCK STAR. He is the most famous playwright in Tudor England. Though Shakespeare is extremely successful and gets all the praise and attention from adoring fans, he’s always on the lookout for ideas, which sometimes includes borrowing ideas from others.

*Gender: Can be played by a Male or Female

*Very strong and dynamic actor who commands the stage with outstanding stage presence

*Strong comedic actor a must

*Strong vocalist (pop/rock style) (sings 'Will Power', 'Bottoms Gonna Be On Top', 'Hard to be the Bard', and more)

*Tap dancing skills a plus

Nostradamus

Not THE Nostradamus, but his niece or nephew (Nancy /Thomas) – they can see the future, although with varying degrees of accuracy. Their predictions, for better or worse, lead the Troupe to produce their very first musical.

*Gender: Can be played as a Male or Female

*Very strong and dynamic actor who commands the stage with outstanding stage presence

*Strong comedic actor a must

*Strong vocalist (sings: A Musical, and more)

Bea

Married to Nick and loves him in spite of his lack of success in the theatre. She is whip-smart, is resourceful, and always looks on the bright side of any situation.

*Gender: Female

*Mature and poised actor with great dimension and sincerity

*Strong comedic actor a must

*Strong vocalist (Alto, a belter) (sings 'Right Hand Man', 'Bottoms Gonna be on Top', and more)

Portia

A Puritan and Brother Jeremiah’s daughter. She is passionate about poetry even though she isn’t technically allowed to read it.

*Gender: Female

*A strong actor, who displays vulnerability and sincerity

*Good chemistry and timing with Nigel

*Must be a strong vocalist (Soprano) (songs 'I Love the Way', 'We See the Light', and more)

Brother Jeremiah

A Puritan and Portia’s father. He sees sin wherever he looks and does not approve of the theater especially Nick and Nigel’s Troupe.

*Gender: can be played by a Male or Female

*Strong and well-measured actor, with good comedic timing

Shylock

Landlord/tax collector/money lender who is banned from any profession, but theatre is his true love. He wants nothing more than to become the Troupe’s patron.

*Gender: can be played by a Male or Female

*Must be a strong character actor with good comedic timing

Troupe

Robin, Peter Quince, Tom Snout, Snug, Francis Flute

These fun character parts sing as a group but have no solos. Peter, Robin, Tom, and Francis have spoken lines.

*Gender: can be played by Males or Females (Robin presents as a male dressed as a female)

*Must have good comedic timing and stage presence

*Must be a strong vocalist

Minstrel

Opens the show by welcoming the audience to the Renaissance! The Minstrel joins the ensemble for the rest of the show.

*Gender: can be played by a Male or Female

*Must be a strong vocalist with a great and welcoming stage presence (sings 'Welcome to the Renaissance')

Lord/Lady Clapham

A posh patron of the theater and theater producer. He abandons the Troupe as their patron once they cross Brother Jeremiah.

*Gender: can be played by a Male or Female

*Must be a strong actor

*Comic speaking role

The "Dancers"

A dedicated group of featured dancers . Primary role: dancing

*Must be a trained dancer and participate in a dedicated dance audition

Other Possible Speaking/Singing Roles:

Valet - Shakespeare's Assistant

Three chefs (in Omelette)

Astrologers

Foreman

Messenger

Announcer

Eyepatch Man

Doorman

Panicked Woman

Horatio

Master of the Justice

Court Scribe

Clerk

Featured Ensembles:

London Townspeople

Bard Backup Singers/Dancers

Renaissance Writers (Welcome to the Renaissance)

Tap Dancing Ensemble (A Musical, Make and Omelette, The Black Death, and more)

Puritans (We See the Light)

Shakespeare Groupies (dance ensemble in Will Power)

People in Court (Shakespeare in Court)

New World Troupe (Welcome to America)

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