Crafting the World of Something Rotten!

When you see Something Rotten! on stage at Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse, you might notice the big musical numbers, the colorful costumes, and the nonstop laughter. But look a little closer and you will see a world crafted through hundreds of tiny details, the props that give every scene texture, humor, and authenticity.

A peek behind the scenes of Something Rotten! at Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse. This prop table holds the essentials of the Renaissance world—fans, quills, parchments, baskets, frying pans, and a few creative surprises—ready for the cast to grab as the story unfolds on stage each night.

Treasure Hunting at the Playhouse

The vast majority of props were pulled from the Playhouse’s extensive stock, a collection affectionately described as “a mountain of gold.” Years of community theatre history sit on those shelves, waiting for new life in a future show. Digging through it is half the fun and often sparks unexpected inspiration.

For pieces that could not be found in stock, items were sourced, built, or designed from scratch. A perfect example is the poster for Richard II, created and printed on canvas, complete with sewn pockets for a dowel (thanks to the costumer’s precise handiwork) before finding its place on stage. In addition to designing custom headshots utilized by multiple members of the cast onstage.

A closer look at the artistry behind disguise. These 'Headsketches' of Shakespeare in disguise were created for Something Rotten! to bring his onstage transformations to life. Each was customized for the actor in that specific cast.

From Arrows to Omelettes

The range of props in this musical borders on the absurd, and that is part of the joy. Everything from a quiver of arrows to the perfect frying pan needed to be found or built. One of the most inventive discoveries came while searching for realistic eggs that could flip on stage. The solution was sticky egg toys. By coating them in baby powder, they became the perfect non-stick faux eggs, believable from the audience yet durable enough for nightly use.

Balancing History and Humor

While Something Rotten! winks at modern Broadway, it is still firmly set in 1595. That balance meant every prop had to walk a fine line between historical accuracy and playful anachronism. Shakespeare’s concert scene is the perfect example. It required a microphone to match the “rock concert” energy of the number, so it was designed with leather and copper rivets to feel as if it truly belonged in the Renaissance.

Every detail helps build the world of Something Rotten! — even the lute. This beautifully crafted piece adds a touch of authenticity to the Renaissance setting, helping the cast and audience feel fully immersed in the story unfolding on stage.

The Art of World-Building

Props may not take center stage, but they quietly shape the world every character lives in. As Bryant reflected, “Props are such a fun way to world build, and that world building is helped by attention to detail. So if you are in the audience, pay special attention to little nuances in the prop design, things that the actors holding the prop may only be able to see, because those details help create this world and, in turn, help the actors bring the story to life. The detail work is so fun, and finding joy in the creative approach to props has been such a pleasure.”