Something Rotten!

Something Rotten!
Two brothers set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway.



Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, Something Rotten.  Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, Something Rotten was lauded by audience members and critics alike, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed by Time Out New York as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years".

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." 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 scandalous 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 large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given his or her own special moment in the show to shine.  Throughout its Broadway run, the musical received a show-stopping standing ovation from audiences... in the beginning of the first act!  It’s become clear that “nothing’s as amazing as a musical,” so don’t miss your chance to bring this history-twisting tale to your stage.

Restrictions may apply. Not available in the UK or Australia.

Concert Selections for Something Rotten!

MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.

  • A MUSICAL
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Wayne Kirkpatrick
    Karey Kirkpatrick
    Lyrics by
    Wayne Kirkpatrick
    Karey Kirkpatrick
    Arranged by
    Glen Kelly
    Orchestrated by
    Larry Hochman
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Instrumentation

    2 Keyboard 1/Conductor, 10 PV, 4 Reed(Clarinet, Piccolo, Flute, Alto Sax)Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar 1(Archtop), Guitar 2(Solid Body Electric), Keyboard 2 (synth.), Keyboard 3(synth.), 2 Percussion, Violin(6), Bass(3)

  • RIGHT HAND MAN
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Karey Kirkpatrick
    Wayne Kirkpatrick
    Lyrics by
    Karey Kirkpatrick
    Wayne Kirkpatrick
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Starting Key
    D♭
    Instrumentation

    Full score, 2 keyboard 1/conductor, 3 piano vocal, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, drums, electric bass, guitar 1(Solid Body Electric), guitar 2(Solid Body Electric), keyboard 2-synth, keyboard 3-synth, 8 violin

Resources

No matter where you are on your theatrical journey, our innovative production resources will enhance your show experience!

No design skills needed! Create your show poster in minutes. All artwork complies with MTI’s billing guidelines.

Pre Performance

Give Your Cast and Crew the Tools for a Successful Rehearsal Process

Pre Performance

See the entire orchestration on one page.

Performance
How Does the Show Go On

The ultimate book for theater lovers of all ages.

Bring Broadway to your own backyard by licensing the authorized keyboard programming for your show.

Performance
Logo Packs

Promote your show with the officially licensed logo.

Pre Performance
Logo T-shirts

Show your pride with t-shirts featuring your musical’s official logo.

Pre Performance
Orchextra

Play your show’s full score by adding in your orchestra’s missing instruments.

Performance

Perform your entire musical with a pre-recorded score played by a full orchestra of LIVE professional musicians right from your Apple iOS device.

Performance

Rehearse your entire musical with a pre-recorded score played by a full orchestra of LIVE professional musicians.

Performance
RehearseScore App

Run rehearsals straight from your mobile device using a virtual accompanist that plays every note of your show’s score.

Pre Performance
Scenic Projection Show Packages

Elevate your production with affordable, script-accurate, animated digital scenery by Broadway Media.

Performance
Showtix4u

Manage ticket sales online and maximize your box office. 

Performance

Put the spotlight on your show!

Stage Manager Scripts

Facilitate cueing, blocking and all of your production needs with this customizable copy of the libretto. 

Pre Performance

Enable your creative team to easily track the moving pieces of your production.

Pre Performance
Transpositions On Demand

Change the key of any song and optimize your performer’s vocal range.

Pre Performance
Video License

Legally capture your production on video with this special license available for select shows.

Performance

Questions & Answers

December 16, 2022
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Availability in NZ

Hi. I received an email previously to say Something Rotten is available for licensing, but this page says it isn't available in Aus/NZ.

Is there a planned date for release in NZ or is it touring professionally here soon?

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August 14, 2022
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Something Rotten in Australia

Hello, I noticed there hasn’t been an answer about when Something Rotten will be available for licensing in Australia since December 2020. Are you able to provide an update?

I am an up-and-coming theatre producer and would love to know what we need to do to get Something Rotten over here, I think it’d be a hit!

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September 09, 2021
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Will there be a Junior version in the future, or could you use help creating one? Our youth theater loves being able to put on a great show with less stress than what comes with a full-length production.
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December 14, 2020
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What is the expected release date for Australia?

Now that Australia is no-longer a Covid 'hotspot', is Something Rotten likely to be re-released? Our regional area has had ZERO community transmissions and have comprehensive Covid Safe Plans in place. Our theatre is open and our company has launched two successful productions in the last 3 months adhering to this plan.

We're very keen to 'Hate Shakespeare'!

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Is Something Rotten available in NZ for 2022?
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April 22, 2020
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Restricted in the US?

Since the website language says that Something Rotten is not available in the UK or Australia, I was wondering what the nature of restrictions on the title would be in the US? Are those restrictions any different for schools/companies in Manhattan?

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February 24, 2020
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Switch gender of Minstrel?

Would it be possible to have the Minstrel played by a woman? This would increase the number of feamle lead/featured roles from 2 to 3, making it much more producable for schools.

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February 19, 2020
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Does MTI have any approved cuts or changes that would make the show more appropriate for a traditional school's audience? I love the show, but I know there are a few lines that my administration would balk at.

When we did SPAMALOT, the company that held the licenses for it offered some alternatives for some of the more racy material.  Any chance MTI will do that for SOMETHING ROTTEN?

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January 30, 2020
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Is Something Rotten too racy for a high school production?

Is Something Rotten too racy for a high school production?

 

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January 24, 2020
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Something Rotten release

It says it releases "Winter 2020". Does that mean January/February 2020 or does that mean it won't be available until December.

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