Nishikawa Takanori will play Shakespeare in the Japanese version of the musical “Something Rotten!”

Beginning on December 2018 through January 2019, the Japanese version of the Broadway musical “Something Rotten!” is being planned.

“Something Rotten!” is an original musical comedy based on the book by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick.  The story is set in 1595 and focuses on the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel.  Both are struggling to find success in the theatrical world, as they compete against their contemporary, William Shakespeare.

The musical comedy was nominated for nine Tony Awards.

The director/producer for the musical, Fukuda Yuichi, Japanese playwright and known for writing screenplays for dramas such as the 2008 NTV drama “1 Pound Gospel”, Fuji TV One-Next’s “Tokunoshima Airport”, “Fuji TV’s “Tokyo DOGS” and most recently, writing and directing the film “Gintama” and its upcoming sequel.

Fukuda commented, “Someone in the industry told me I should do “Something Rotten!”, and my thought is “What is that?” before ever watching it (laughing).  But I realized what the person meant when the person said ‘Fukuda-san should do it!’.  It’s a comedy that people who really like musicals can express their love.  Where actors who are active in the musical world can gather and be very happy.”

Cast for the part of Nick Bottom is Japanese singer/songwriter Nakagawa Akinori and for Nigel Bottom is Hirakata Genki.

Nishikawa Takanori will play the role of Shakespeare.

Nishikawa said, “Last November, I was recording a program at Fuji TV’s Wangan Studio and acquaintances who were writers said someone wanted to work with me.  When I said, “When do they want me?”, I heard that the person was in front of my dressing room.  I heard the knock and as soon as I opened the door, it was Fukuda Yuichi.  As soon as he came in, he talked about his passion for my work and that he was working on “Something Rotten!”.  I want to enjoy Fukuda Yuichi’s production and as a director as much as I am performing in it.  I used to play in Shakespeare’s work before, but I did not think I would ever play the role of Shakespeare”.

Also, starring in the musical is Sena Jun as Bea, Shimizu Kurumi as Portia and Hashimoto Satoshi as Nostradamus.

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