History credits the first modern musical production to the year 1866 and a little-known work called “The Black Crook” that premiered in New York on September 12 of that year. It was credited as the first play that added dance and original music to help tell the story. But after seeing Palm Canyon Theatre’s newest production of “Something Rotten”, maybe the historians have it wrong.
What did our critic think of SOMETHING ROTTEN at Beck Center For The Arts?
Theater history books refer to 'The Black Crook,' which opened in 1866 in New York, as the first book musical. According to 'Something Rotten!,' by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell (book) and Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick (music and lyrics that honor should go to 'Omelette.'
A massive Blossom crowd, a nearly full amphitheater and a lawn in which not a blade of grass was not the covered with blankets, table cloths, lawn chairs and people, came out to hear the 'Best of Broadway,' a series of groovy music, jive, jazz, tin pan alley and ballads from the golden years of musicals performed on the Great White Way.
"Something Rotten" is a theatrical treat…a wonderfully conceived and performed musical farce. Anyone who wants to go to the theater and have a great time, unburdened by a complicated plot, listen to fun lyrics, see dynamic dancing and experience two acts of non-stop laughter…this is the must see musical!
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