Getting Out

Set in 1595, the musical "Something Rotten!" follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who struggle to find success in the theatrical world as they compete with the wild popularity of their contemporary William Shakespeare.

"They'll lose their financial support if they don't write a hit play," said Michelle Whittaker, who directs the Connection Street Theatre production that opens Saturday in Shelton. "And Shakespeare is like the Elvis of his day."

But the brothers are sidetracked by off-kilter advice from a hired soothsayer in the musical comedy, which is staged at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. May 17; 2 and 7 p.m. May 18; and 2 p.m. May 19 at Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 Connection St., Shelton.

The doors open 30 minutes before show time. Admission is $10 at the door or online at bit.ly/SRtix.

The musical debuted on Broadway in 2015 and played for 708 performances. It was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including best musical. The songs include "Welcome to the Renaissance," "Man, I Hate Shakespeare," "Bottom's Gonna Be on Top" and "To Thine Own Self Be True."

Whittaker said she saw a production at Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theatre.

"It was fabulous," she said. "The music is really good and it's funny."

Audience members will enjoy catching references to Shakespeare's plays, and to the 30 Broadway musicals mentioned in the show, Whittaker said.

The group added two more shows to its usual because it is attracting large audiences, Whittaker said. "It's nice to see people are appreciating local theater," she said.

The cast of 25 features Jon Halverson as Nick Bottom, Brendan Salzer as Nigel Bottom, and Ferren Morse as Shakespeare. The cast includes Mat Taylor, Gillian Webster, Emily Hearn, Elisa Sparkman, Anna McClatchey, Krystle Salzer, Dave Pierik, Hailey Coleman, Emily Adams, Zach Taylor, Herb Cargill, Becca Byykkonenm, Elliana Siemssen, Elizabeth Mackie, Devin Feliz, Leeanne Harris, Brittany Givens, Elsa Enquist-Hinz, Amy Mackie and Ava Taylor.

Shannon Klasell is the stage manager, Lori Thorson the music director.

Jay Himlie runs the lights, and Chris Walker, Marissa Walk, J.D. Fowler and Pat Whittaker operate the sound. The backstage crew is Zephania Harris, Donna Warden and Krystle Salzer, and the set is by Brendan Salzer, Herb Cargill and Spencer Webster. Mary Eagleson is the house manager.

The group hosts a Summer Youth Theatre Camp for people ages 10 to 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19-23 at Faith Lutheran Church. The cost is $40, For more information and to register, go to http://www.bit.ly/ConnectionStreetTheatre. The group stages a family Christmas show in December, Valentine's dinner theater in February 2025 and a Broadway musical in May 2025.

IF YOU GO

WHO: Connection Street Theatre

WHAT: Musical comedy "Something Rotten!"

WHEN: Saturday, Sunday; and May 17-19

WHERE: Faith Lutheran Church, Shelton

ADMISSION: $10

TICKETS: http://www.bit.ly/SRtix