Achi news desk-
‘Something Rotten’ kicks off the Stratford festival season in 2024
There’s buzz – and a bit of brass – in the air in Stratford as the doors open to audiences on Tuesday for the first preview shows of the 2024 festival season.
This year, CTV News has followed the cast of Something Rotten as they go from their first rehearsal to live on stage.
“We’re so excited,” one audience member told CTV News.
But it’s not just the audience that’s excited.
“So you can hear the humming from the audience, the energy, the laughter, the discussions,” says Something Rotten actor Dan Shameroy. “The city is starting to emerge, the downtown area is starting to come alive, so that energy can be seen here.”
Just over two months ago, the cast and crew of Something Rotten met for the first time.
“I’m so excited,” said actor Henry Firmston. “We’ve been practicing for what feels like a year.”
Since then, they have added a set orchestra and costumes.
“I think the costume for me in this show at least made me so much braver as a performer,” said actor Olivia Sinclair Brisbane.
The cast added the final element on Tuesday.
“We have our first big audience today,” Brisbane said. “This is the final piece of the puzzle, these are the final cast members as some people say.”
For Brisbane and Firmston, are cast in Something Rotten it’s like a high school reunion.
“So, Olivia was the older child and I was a scared little boy,” Firmston said. “I don’t know about a cool kid, but I sure was older.”
12 years ago, two Beal HB High School students shared the stage in a high school play.
“And it’s kind of surreal to have a backup meet and do what we knew we were going to do,” Firmston said.
It’s a familiarity off stage that became a secret weapon on stage.
“I would say, because we feel comfortable enough to be the same kids we were when we were in high school doing a show together,” Brisbane said. “But it also brings a kind of sense of security.”
The two talented local actors have a dream come true.
“I think we both knew this was what we wanted to do,” Firmston said.
Testament, although hairstyles change, dreams don’t have to.
“Even if you think it sucks and you think you’re not good at it, you just have to keep going,” Brisbane added. “It never comes down to the people who are good at it right away, because if you’re good at it right away, then you never have to fight for it.”
