Award-Winning Ridge Drama Club To Present 'Something Rotten'

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Coming off of their award-winning 2023 Musical season, Ridge Drama Club takes you on a journey back to the Renaissance with Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell’s "Something Rotten" at the Ridge Performing Arts Center at the end of February.

Directed by Timothy Lynch, with music direction by Carol Beadle and choreography by Rachel Miranda and Jennifer DiGiuseppe, "Something Rotten" tells the whimsical story of two playwriting brothers in 16th Century England who aspire to gain fame and professional status in the writing world.

After working diligently to write a hit play, Nick and Nigel Bottom become discouraged as they are continuously outshined by the wildly renowned William Shakespeare. In an act of desperation for a new idea, Nick Bottom secretly seeks out a soothsayer, Nostradamus, who reveals that the next big thing in theater will be "musicals."

While trying to put this idea into action, the Bottom Brothers soon realize that finding a topic for their musical is not so easy. Therefore, Nick asks Nostradamus, "what will Shakespeare’s greatest play be?" Nostradamus provides his answer along with a warning that for this, Nick will "pay a great price."

After being given the details of what Nick believes to be the greatest play ever written, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s first musical. Filled with hilarious comedy, stunning choreography, and upbeat music, "Something Rotten" can guarantee a night of laughter and fun for all.

Taking charge of our seamless transitions on stage from the Globe Theater to Soothsayer Alley and more, Jason Stewart, Colin Berry, and Bonnie Grube have confidently led our stage, tech, and costume crews to create the magical and breathtaking "Something Rotten" setting. Through lots of hard work and dedication, the students and crew Directors have facilitated the playful and animated world the audience experiences when stepping inside the Ridge PAC.

Additionally, Ridge Drama Club is once again ecstatic to be blessed with the wonderful sounds of our live pit orchestra. With students directed by Jennifer Curran and conducted by Lyndsey Schaefer, the catchy melodies and gorgeous underscore of our show have never sounded better.

"Something Rotten" will be staged at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 29; at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 1; at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 2; and at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 2.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens.

It is encouraged that all tickets be purchased in advance along with seat selection. Nonetheless, the remaining tickets for each show will also be sold at the door upon arrival. To purchase tickets, go to ridgepac.bernardsboe.com.

— By Andrea Lavy