In the Studio: Recording Something Rotten's Original Broadway Cast Album

Go inside the recording studio with the cast and creators of Broadway's Something Rotten!
The recording is out now on Ghostlight Records:
On iTunes - apple.co/1GrgVDB
On Amazon MP3 - amzn.to/1QwTGYd
On CD - www.sh-k-boom.com/somethingrotten
From the co-director of The Book of Mormon and the producer of Avenue Q comes something original… something fresh... Something Rotten!, a world-premiere musical comedy about the musical comedy that started it all. Welcome to the ‘90s - the 1590s - long before the dawn of premium tickets, star casting and reminders to turn off your cell phones. Brothers Nick (Brian d’Arcy James) and Nigel Bottom (John Cariani) are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rockstar known as “The Bard” (Christian Borle). 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.
With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten! is an uproarious dose of pure Broadway fun and an irresistible ode to musicals - those dazzling creations that entertain us, inspire us, and remind us that everything’s better with an exclamation point!
The production, directed and choreographed by Tony Award® winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Aladdin), with music and lyrics by Grammy Award® winner Wayne Kirkpatrick and Golden Globe Award® nominee Karey Kirkpatrick and a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and best-selling author John O’Farrell, is now playing on Broadway.
Something Rotten! stars Tony Award® nominee Brian d’Arcy James (Shrek), Tony Award® winner Christian Borle (Peter and the Starcatcher), Tony Award® nominee John Cariani (Fiddler on the Roof), Heidi Blickenstaff ([title of show]), Tony Award® nominee Brad Oscar (The Producers), Kate Reinders (Wicked), Tony Award® nominee Brooks Ashmanskas (Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me), Peter Bartlett (Cinderella), Gerry Vichi (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Michael James Scott (The Book of Mormon).
Full song list:
1. Welcome to the Renaissance
2. God, I Hate Shakespeare
3. Right Hand Man
4. God, I Hate Shakespeare (Reprise)
5. A Musical
6. The Black Death
7. I Love the Way
8. Will Power
9. Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top
10. Welcome to the Renaissance (Reprise)
11. Hard to Be the Bard
12. It’s Eggs!
13. We See the Light
14. To Thine Own Self
15. Right Hand Man (Reprise)
16. Something Rotten! / Make an Omelette
17. To Thine Own Self (Reprise)
18. Finale
Learn more about the show and get tickets at rottenbroadway.com/

[@wormsalad9964]

my sexuality is christian borle's arms

[@kerk9795]

How is he single? Like seriously? How? Who wouldn't want to go out with him? Or his arms

[@sherdogholmes576]

You must be pretty popular then.

[@annabrooks6760]

AMEN😂😍👌

[@gripweed]

W H A C K wait he has A social media

[@antipoetry1618]

@@kerk9795 I mean he was married to Sutton Foster lol

[@theinfamoushobbitch]

christian borle flexing all through this damn video i need an adult

[@jkmusiclover]

theinfamoushobbitch His arms are even better in person

[@larakristrun]

MyConcertLife It's true they are gorgeous!

[@mikaylarockwell6547]

theinfamoushobbitch im weak in the knees tbh help

[@annabrooks6760]

🤤😍💕AMEN

[@emmacaah9583]

i was literally sweating through the whole video

[@MissMiffed]

3:50. Oh god fucking damn you and your biceps, Borle.

[@hiheyhaylee]

I love that all the actors and actresses move and dance as they record. It's one of my favourite things about musicals.

[@dedrajoiner712]

Chisato Makishima They can't help it! Especially at that stage, once you already have your choreography down, it's hard not to! (Speaking from experience as a theatre kid lol)

[@FunGal1691]

I just cant get over how powerful everybody's voice is

[@ersimn]

I crack up everytime I hear the "He can't pee" at 4:25, this score is great

[@noahalexander23]

Simone you know why? Cuz it's Hard to be the Bard👍😎

[@orangutansoda]

I never noticed it but I’m done 😂

[@meandmymoterbike12]

Noah Alexander-Price OH MY GOD

[@mhm8922]

It’s pure genius!

[@abigailford9032]

I love how the producers are all like "yeah that was good. I think we can take it." while im sitting at home on my laptop crying and applauding because it was so good!

[@theinquisitivemind3282]

+Abigail P. Same!

[@PhantomFandoms]

I mean they’re also listening to the quality of the audio, not just the tone of the voice.

[@laurahenderson4528]

i’ve done some theatre recordings and it’s nothing to do with actual talent i promise 😭 it’s about the blend of all voices and like volume etc so that it sounds right :)

[@kkdeez]

I haven't heard anybody mention it, but Shakespeare SO has a Mick Jagger spin. Especially with the accent, I get a total 60s Brittish rock vibe.

[@chlothechlo]

Karlee Dix his songs were actually heavily inspired by Queen! haha

[@aileenrubio56]

So THATS why I am significantly more attracted to him in this musical XD might just be the facial hair

[@zoelevitt2822]

Oh for sure!

[@erinofthetrees6898]

*John Mulaney as Mick Jagger voice* y e a h

[@alexthomas6792]

not funny!

[@tissue522]

Heidi's voice is legendary!!!!!

[@TheCapedChristian]

Yesssss

[@keithkiser]

She's absolutely amazing!!!!

[@RaptrRamblings]

AGREED

[@KevinLynchNJ]

Absolutely LOVE this show

[@leahthai2040]

I’m a big fan of your channel!!!! I also had a feeling that you would be here after your favorite musicals video

[@nicolassanslopez3370]

Jajajaj i kevin how ya doing jajaja

[@Alice-sp5jd]

2:51 they're dancing and Christian is just stood there 😂😂

[@Sunnyy3D]

Alice I don’t think he knows what’s going on...

[@vee8080]

Just realised the guy who sings welcome to the renaissance is the "maggots in my scrotum" guy from Book of Mormon.

[@opheliaismyname9180]

I knew I recognised him!

[@vee8080]

@@opheliaismyname9180 Same, I couldn't put my finger on it til I realised.

[@pamesy-jatterson7352]

Oh my gawd I'm gonna die and this is what kills me

[@sketchers3115]

*THE MAN THE MYTH THE LEGEND*

[@Mazed_dazed]

IT IS?!?!

[@judelandsberger1431]

The wink at 4:09. Oh my Dear baby Jesus...

[@kerk9795]

Omg how did I miss that? I have rewound this so many times just to see that. Thank you

[@annabrooks6760]

😍

[@noodlearg9745]

i love how all of these comments are just simping for christian borle

[@sjfoster12]

I am English, yet somehow Christian's accent is better than mine.

[@BJ_Freeplay]

I love Bea, like, the way she sings is just BAM! Right in your face. No apologies, no doubting, confident, maybe a bit exasperated at moments... Just GAH! Love it!

[@StephiGereRothThyne]

Christian making Brian nervous ugh I love them 6:50

[@tomfong292]

Wow. That run at 6:23 was awesome!

[@theinquisitivemind3282]

Kate Reinders reminders sooooo much of Kristen Chenoweth!

[@justinm2697]

+The Inquisitive Mind Did you see her Broadway.com Show People interview? I don't know if it's a Kristen thing, or a Glinda thing, but they both seem so bubbley, without an off switch, and just sooooooo lovely.

[@theinquisitivemind3282]

+Justin M So true! I'll have to look up that interview up! :)

[@broadwayisbest2.0formerbab62]

The Inquisitive Mind yeaaahh

[@angiewagner9232]

John Cariani is too adorable.

[@kerk9795]

Christian gets worshipped as if he is the religion from which his name came - and rightfully so

[@berylliumblue3281]

erin camp I can't tell if this is a pun or not

[@jumpingmice702]

The Multishipper me too omg

[@owencunningham3942]

Let's call it... Christianity!

[@belle6624]

Cant like cos it's 420 likes, sorry

[@lollipopsie_5230]

I think it shows how much feeling and how much rock theatre atmosphere is in the songs that *none of them* can stay entirely still through the recordings, even the backup.

[@imogentredwell4980]

Christian is so hot omg- I'm British and his accent is spot on, very Captain Sparrow

[@ers6764]

I didn’t know he was American until I googled it 😂

[@zoeyweinstein8701]

HEIDI IS SUCH A QUEEN

[@reubenfuchs2747]

0:52 ahaha i like when the guy says “no🥺”

[@Shae29]

0:27 I haven’t listened to the opening number in a while. Michael’s voice is just everything🥺

[@d43imoet]

His voice is like smooth butter!! Loveee ❤️

[@cassandravalle3989]

CHRISTIAN BORLE IS FREAKIN AWESOME! I LOVE HIM SM!

[@tn999999999]

"I think we can take that" 8:15

[@sarahglover4241]

*dead inside* "awesome"

[@ZoiePerahoritis]

Hiedi's voice... OMG INCREDIBLE!! :)

[@aileenrubio56]

Micheal James Scott is underrated. I love his voice along with Heidi and Christian

[@domatm]

4:08 omg that wink I'm melting rn

[@markrsn]

How could 5 people give this a thumbs down??? The show was amazing and I would see it again and again.

[@ekim1018]

Those 5 were Shakespeare and his leather- clad backup dancers.

[@sarahglover4241]

they were blinded by their smiles and tears of how great this video is at hyping up the soundtrack and showing a lot of the actors that they accidentally hit the 'dislike' instead of the 'like' button...

[@emilkurz6717]

7:53 goosebumps every time🤘🔥

[@bethdavies2425]

I live for hard to be the bard

[@vanlee6171]

Groosebumps lol I couldn’t speak if Christian Borle was next to me either

[@ohhellosunny]

IS THAT BRIAN D'ARCY JAMES?

[@ElizabethMerritt]

Yes!!

[@sarahglover4241]

that's what it says... lol

[@abbycampion5801]

U N D E R A T E D SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE KIDS IN THE BACK

[@meandmymoterbike12]

*UNDERRATED*

[@wrenclark4907]

UNDERATED

[@delaneymcginley4920]

Michael James Scott’s voice is phenomenal.

[@orangutansoda]

I don’t understand how this didn’t win best musical. Sure Fun Home was good but this is just so awesome

[@averiegracebenson4782]

I agree..I love the story idea of Fun Home and I know this is controversial but I really just dont like it :/

[@Sam-qf5pq]

maybe because both of the shows (fun home and falsettos) spread a fantastic message that we needed at the time (and still do) while this show is just all fun

[@stepawayful]

@@Sam-qf5pq Falsettos was a revival but yes agreed!

[@colferification]

we had decided to stan all of these legends for life

[@HipposAreDeadly]

Brian is from my home town and I’m so proud as a theater kid here to see him on broadway! Especially being with Christian too bc he’s just beautiful

[@aliciacabreratactuk2075]

"It's Hard to be the Bard" sort of sounds like "Somebody To Love" sung in Ella Enchanted...is it just me? btw I love it! I need it now

[@CeeEl1122]

Alicia Cabrera Tactuk they said in the video they wanted to give off the Queen vibe :) Somebody to love from Ella Enchanted was originally sung by Queen!

[@justinm2697]

+CeeEl1122 George Michael did a great version of it as well.

[@Sunnyy3D]

See, I originally listened to SR! for Christian Borle because I just discovered Falsettos. After listening it I fell in love with the characters and everything. I love the way the characters are portrayed! I hate how Shakespeare acts but I can’t help but like him and not just because it’s Christian playing him! I also have a special place in my heart for Nigel!

[@sketchers3115]

I'm the opposite. I listened to something rotten then falsettos lol

[@Finstabaybee]

Right Hand Man is such a great song. One of my all time favorite "showtunes"!

[@TigerPrawn_]

6:31 that note ♥

[@izzylynn9967]

This was a freaking AMAZING show!!!! I laughed so hard my sides hurt, I was in awe of the beauty of the music (just everything really), and I was so sad it was over!!! I would totally go see it again and again!

[@altheaabergos2385]

So underrated and clever omg

[@captbarnes]

christian's arms are the star of something rotten

[@GIRLBOSS-1111]

Right Hand Man is just insane she sounds outstanding 🔥😭

[@joy9585]

Seeing all those brilliant, HD shots of the Broadway show give me hope that there will be a DVD coming soon of the Broadway production! 🤞🏼

[@wanyizhang_tw]

Would it be possible to see this in Shakespeare's Globe?

[@broadwayisbest2.0formerbab62]

Wanyi Zhang in London? That's what I thinking

[@zeldaglitchgamer]

Brian is my all time favorite Broadway actor. I had the privilege of meeting him after the show during the original cast run of the show. I nearly passed out lol

[@stepawayful]

Is your screen name a play on the name of the brilliant theater producer/director who founded Arena Stage?

[@singwisevocals]

This musical is absolutely brilliant! I finally got to see it in Boston tonight.

[@nathandiaz4847]

Heidi gives me a "Lindsay Mendez" vibe... Anyone else?

[@dylancoleman5021]

I agree 100%

[@reinehahaha000]

Nathan Diaz Maybe the other way around, but yes. They're both so awesome...

[@nathandiaz4847]

Yeah that is true. But yeah, they have the same vibe

[@shelleyellyellys]

+Nathan Diaz nah.

[@justinm2697]

+Nathan Diaz After watching her vlog, she gives me the vibe of someone who could be friends with anyone. It's almost like she couldn't possibly have anything bad to say about anyone. Which ofcourse can't be humanly possible, but she's so bright and cheery and happy and joyous. I can't imagine her having a bad day......again, humanly impossible. So yes, very similar to how I see Lindsay......both of them truly beautiful inside and out.

[@michaelbeaudoin1518]

I downloaded this and Fun Home's soundtracks. I haven't seen either of them, but I go back to Something Rotten's soundtrack waaaaay more. The songs are just so much fun and so catchy. I can't wait to see this show someday!!

[@suzannemacdonald73]

Saw this on recent trip to New York. Absolutely the best show we've seen in years. So so funny. Thanks for a memorable night out, loved every entertaining minute. Xxx

[@sandyfaith9779]

Kid Be my son What I’ve done to you is R o t t e n

[@sapphire3215]

I have something rotten which appears now well it’s well forgotten

[@stepawayful]

I started crying just reading those 11 words. #FalsettosIsLife

[@blubaryboi7423]

1:08 Lol Rip nigel

[@angelawintering6201]

I freaking love how Brian is acting in the booth to the skies

[@maddypierce4488]

christian borle at 2:52 ok i’m dead now goodbye

[@singwisevocals]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this musical!!! It takes me to my happy place every time.

[@FunGal1691]

OMG I LOVE THIS SO MUCH I JUST CANT PUT IT INTO WORD BUT I'M GONNA TRY...everyone's voice is so powerful and great every song has a great beat, all the actors are amazing.. i saw this play and i will defiantly see it again every single thing about it is so amazing...they couldn't get a better cast, everything is just...OMG I love this so much....just...omg

[@hopoffmydick9574]

IKR!!!!!!

[@stephanierestlessinseattle5261]

LOVED EVERY MINUTE Seattle killed it I straight cried I was so in it. I dont know why I cry at the theater but I always do its not sad Im just so lost in the moment. I loved this as fast as I loved all my favorite musicals growing up. I was floored!

[@stepawayful]

I do too. And the reason is: good art makes you feel something and tears are one powerful expression of your feelings. Clearly you embrace it like I do. 😂

[@teresatous3561]

why is putin on the drums?

[@bexyPTX]

I'm shook that Miss Jenn from HSMTMTS was in the original cast of this show

[@nicekid99]

How did I only find out about this musical now?? I'm loving all the musical references/inspirations. Definitely gonna give this cast album a listen to.

[@michaelab2905]

i was lucky enough to see this show when it first came out and i’m still in love with it ❤️❤️

[@whitneyv9484]

I would die for john cariani

[@reomeron8257]

his character is so underrated

[@tablecloth364]

this is my fav video rn idek why

[@tablecloth364]

actually i do. it's christian and heidi. that's it.

[@ellak6009]

the transition from I Love The Way to Right Hand Man for some reason makes me laugh so hard "and I love...If you're ever in a fix and it's a fix you need to nix..." 5:44

[@noodlearg9745]

lol

[@ginaguarino0911]

one of the BEST shows i have EVER seen. had front row seats by the pit - BLOWN AWAY!!

[@Millsfan177]

So glad I got to see this a couple weeks ago! What an amazing experience, I am so in love with this show!

[@moore91150]

christian borle

[@nikkita3746]

yeah

[@Jamie.isatheatrekid]

Yes. The answers yes.

[@MRosezhahira]

is nigel and portia's romance a reference to marius and cosette tho??

[@mollyraine5352]

I thought that! In the actual show they both make eye contact and meet for the first time in a super similar way to how Marius and Cosette do it. It was cute :)

[@morganhows1690]

I almost feel like it’s more of a reference to Romeo and Juliet. Neither of their families approve and they don’t want them to be together?

[@honeymorante]

I wish I could watch it irl huhu

[@Amerikachan]

This is an amazing soundtrack!

[@Needsmoreflash]

I'm still waiting for the film version

[@randomperson22856]

*me casually singing along with will power and hard to be the bard*

[@oliverharris60]

This gives me hope that there's a proshot out there...now is the time to release it lol

[@jessethecomet4423]

me, in tears over Christian Borle: bitch me too

[@BlankityBlank]

I was recently introduced to this production having landed a few small parts in it for our local theater! SO EXCITED!!

[@carolyngara9169]

God! I loved this show!!!

[@evaperez5625]

Christian Borle. That is all

[@theitalianscorpio]

That is 1 of my favorite shows I've seen & I love the soundtrack too!

[@lonelylittledot]

I WANNA BE IN THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS

[@daniellealexanian4273]

I went to see this and I’m gonna see it again really soon! I’m so excited!

[@florenciamayagoitia2312]

this made me so happy

[@mrmustache1125]

Am I high or is Nick Bottom also Mr Baker from 13 Reasons Why

[@theoscarlessactress2748]

Mr Mustache yes

[@katierose9501]

He’s also Shrek from the original musical cast 😂

[@lauriebrown9958]

Love this show! Love this cast!

[@a.bookmonkey6790]

i love how they can't not do the hand motions and faces even in the booth

[@Soepsas]

The costumes in this show are so insanely good!

[@jeissanascimento]

Arms...🤩🥰😍🤤❤️ 4:54 3:51 Bonus 3:53

[@mackiemae2002]

This video is a reason to be alive! ☺️

[@jillybeanc]

I would like just the shot from 3:50 to be my screensaver!

[@tennesseekid3327]

How can they make this really sick video with all the amazing songs but not add "Make an omelette". HOW CAN YOU DO THIS!

[@stepawayful]

They wrote 50 songs for this show and only kept 18 of them. Imagine trying to whittle that 50 down to 18!

[@countrygirlbeth1]

Brian is one of my faves.

[@TheBritishActingCoach]

It's hard to be the Bard - LOOOOOVE!!!!

[@caitlinmarie81]

shrek hates shakespeare, pass it on

[@Abb1b3ean]

My sexuality is Christian Borles voice

[@sarahchandler9488]

Is anyone here after HSMTMTS and realize that Kate is in this?

[@katew6236]

Sometimes I watch this just for Christian at 2:52 ngl no shame