Something Rotten, Virden Theatre Productions’ upcoming musical, is rife with rivalry in Renaissance era theatre as brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom strive for playwright fame, but they’re up against you know who – yes, Shakespeare.

    Personalities figure largely in this show. Three actors discuss their roles. 

    Rob Lovatt is known to some for past roles in Virden musicals, his work with Keywest Photo or maybe as a band member with Just for Kicks. He was attracted to a lead role, in Something Rotten because it’s so darn funny and he saw himself in the Shakespeare character.

“There's some musicals that are, what do I say … traditional?” Lovatt says. “Something Rotten is just another category of fun, spoof-ish, it's hilarious. It's for a more mature crowd, but there is something for everyone there. It just has really big musical numbers that are incredibly impressive…. The singing, the dancing, the choreography, everything - everything is just over the top in this one.”

    Lovatt’s introduction to the world of stage musicals came about a few years ago when Michelle Chyzyk asked him if he’d be interested in joining the Mamma Mia cast. He did. He liked it. That was his start. 

    Lovatt finds himself fitting into the Rotten Shakespeare’s shoes just fine, something he attributes to Chyzyk’s casting skills. “She's intuitive that way. This particular role of Shakespeare actually fits my personality. When she suggested that I audition for this part, I understood why.”

So does he feel himself to be the Bard? 

    “Yeah, there's some things that really gel well with my personality. Oddly enough, I mean, I have written songs and poetry and things like that,” he says.

    The personalities of lead actors Jordan Elliott, Jackson Hacault and Darrell Corbel playing Nick and Nigel Bottom and the infamous Nostradamus adds synergy. “Not only are they great singers and actors, I mean, they bring their personality. They're just fantastic. They have their own flair.”

    A familiar Virden actor/artist and steel shop worker, George Baker slides into the Shylock role. “Oh, gosh, he's great,” says Lovatt. “He's a straight man. You know, he plays it off a little dry, which is perfect.

    “And same with Greg Kirk (Master of the Justice). So, I mean, you know, the deck is loaded.”

    Jaysalee Davies has been in a ton of Virden musicals. For this show, she’s an ensemble member, with a bit part as Bea’s friend. (Bea, the super supportive wife of lead character Nick Bottom.)

    Also credited with a behind the scenes production role, Davies is heavily invested in this show.

    “This musical is the type of musical theatre that excites me - a big showy sound, big dance numbers, and big characters. A classic Broadway hit - which always includes the ensemble in a big way throughout…. I love the quick wit and showy numbers.”

    And where’s the triumph without a challenge? She says, “Picking up the tap shoes for the first time in almost 10 years has been a challenge, mostly in a fun way, but requires some extra practice time!”