Midcoast Youth Theater
Something Rotten Jr.
Synopsis & character descriptions
Synopsis
Welcome to the Renaissance — a time of music, art, and over-the-top theater! Something Rotten! JR. is a hilarious musical comedy that follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two playwrights desperate to compete with the rockstar of the Elizabethan stage — William Shakespeare himself.
When the Bottom brothers learn from a local soothsayer that the future of theater involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, they set out to write the world’s very first musical. What follows is a whirlwind of mistaken predictions, showbiz ambition, and big, splashy production numbers filled with laughs, clever wordplay, and Broadway-style fun.
Packed with larger-than-life characters — from the egotistical “Bard” to hopeful dreamers, rebellious lovers, and wacky ensemble roles — Something Rotten! JR. gives every performer a chance to shine. It’s an energetic, witty show that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and the joy of finding your own voice (even when everyone says you’re a little bit rotten).
Actors can expect fast-paced dialogue, comedic timing, lots of music and movement, and a strong ensemble spirit. If you love humor, clever songs, and characters with big personalities, this is the perfect show to be part of!
Character descriptions
Nick Bottom - a struggling playwright who dreams – much to his own chagrin – of having a career like Shakespeare’s. Though Nick is artistically frustrated and stressed about leading the Troupe, he means well, even if his actions aren’t always exactly ethical.
Nigel Bottom - Nick’s sweet younger brother lacks the confidence he needs to write until he falls in love with Portia. Inspired by her confidence in him, Nigel writes verses worthy of Shakespeare himself!
Bea- Married to Nick and loves him in spite of his lack of success in the theatre. She is whipsmart, is resourceful, and always looks on the bright side of any situation.
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.
Portia -a Puritan and Brother Jeremiah’s daughter. She is passionate about poetry even though she isn’t technically allowed to read it.
William Shakespeare - the most famous playwright in Tudor England. Though Shakespeare is extremely successful, he’s always on the lookout for inspiration, which sometimes includes borrowing ideas from others...
Nostradamus Not the Nostradamus, but his niece, Nancy – can see the future, although with varying degrees of accuracy. Her predictions, for better or worse, lead the Troupe to produce their very first musical.
Lord Clapham - a posh patron of the theater. They abandon the Troupe as their patron once they cross Brother Jeremiah.
Shylock - banned from any profession other than moneylending, but theatre is their true love, they want nothing more than to become the Troupe’s patron.
Minstrel - opens the show by welcoming the audience to the Renaissance! The Minstrel joins the ensemble for the rest of the show.
Troupe - Peter Quince, Robin, Tom Snout, Snug, Francis Flute.... A group of actors who are Nick and Nigel's fellow players, these fun character parts sing as a group.
Ensemble
Townspeople (Solo 1, Solo 2, Solo 3, Solo 4), Puritans (Puritan 1, Puritan 2, Puritan 3, Puritan 4),
Crowd (1st Person In Crowd, 2nd Person In Crowd, 3rd Person In Crowd), Astrologers, Psychics, Fortune Tellers, Chorus, Grim Reapers, Eggs (Sad Little Egg), Guards, Foreman, Messenger, Announcer, Attendant, Doorman, Panicked Woman, Valet, Eyepatch Man, Horatio, Footman, Master of the Justice Court Scribe & Clerk.
