Adam Pascal to play Shakespeare in Something Rotten!

Tony nominee Adam Pascal will assume the role of William Shakespeare in Broadway's musical comedy Something Rotten! at the St. James Theatre from 7 November 2016 through to the end of its Broadway engagement on 1 January 2017.

Original ensemble member Eric Sciotto stepped into the role of The Bard last night and will continue through to 6 November 2016.

Adam Pascal earned a Tony nomination in 1996 for originating the role of Roger Davis in 'Rent,' which he previously played off-Broadway and went on to reprise in London's West End and in the 2005 film adaptation. Other Broadway credits include 'Chicago,' 'Cabaret,' 'Aida,' 'Memphis,' and he was last seen on the Great White Way in 'Disaster!' Screen credits include 'School of Rock,' 'Goyband,' 'SLC Punk!' and 'Punk's Dead: SLC Punk 2.'

The current principal cast of Something Rotten! includes Tony nominee Rob McClure (Nick Bottom), Josh Grisetti (Nigel Bottom), Eric Sciotto (William Shakespeare), Leslie Kritzer (Bea), two-time Tony nominee Brad Oscar (Nostradamus), Catherine Brunell (Portia), Tony nominee David Beach (Brother Jeremiah), Edward Hibbert (Lord Clapham/Master of Justice), Gerry Vichi (Shylock), and André Ward (Minstrel).

Something Rotten! officially opened at Broadway's St James Theatre on 22 April 2015, following previews from 23 March, and will play its final Broadway performance on 1 January 2017.

Something Rotten! features music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Wayne Kirkpatrick & Karey Kirkpatrick, with a book by Karey Kirkpatrick & John O'Farrell. The musical comedy is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Casey Nicholaw.

Synopsis: "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 and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rockstar 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."

The creative team features scenic design by Scott Pask, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Peter Hylenski, and hair design by Josh Marquette. Musical direction is by Phil Reno, with arrangements by Glen Kelly and orchestrations by Larry Hochman.

Something Rotten! is produced on Broadway by Kevin McCollum.

- by Tom Millward