Meet Noah Mutterperl (Shakespeare) in LTA's "Something Rotten"

What do you find appealing about your character and the show?
The most appealing thing about Shakespeare in this production is his sense of style. The eyeliner, the black nail polish, the leather pants—it’s very rock n’ roll. A close second would be how Billy Shakes makes whomever he’s talking to feel like the most important person in the room…well, unless you’re Nick Bottom. Shakespeare is an incessant people pleaser, for better or worse.

This show is simultaneously heart-warming and downright chaotic. Every moment includes features a joke, a touching moment, a dazzling (and often unexpected) dance number, or a clever reference. Performing this love letter to musicals is an absolute thrill ride, and I can’t wait for our cast and crew to share that experience with audiences.

What have you learned about yourself in playing the role of Shakespeare?
In playing Shakespeare, I’ve learned that I can’t grow a beard—a Clark Gable mustache, yes, but not a ZZ Top-level masterpiece. Additionally, this role has emphasized the importance of valuing your opinion of yourself over that of strangers. Shakespeare goes to extraordinary lengths to maintain his “image,” which is funny on stage but no way to live life. If “all the world’s a stage,” there must be a place in the wings to decompress and just be yourself.

What do you want the audience to experience/take away from this show?
Looking past the plethora of references, the witty one-liners, and break-dancing Tudors, this show is about finding authenticity in your art and being brave enough to accept help from those you love. I hope the audience walks away from Something Rotten with this universal theme in mind and with their cheeks hurting from laughing so hard.

How does this show differ from other shows you have worked on?
Three words: tap dancing eggs.

How long have you been acting and what made you get involved in theatre? How did you get involved with LTA?
I’ve been hamming it up on stage since the ripe age of five. My first role was a young mouse who yearned to become a pirate—the pinnacle of my career. Mom initially signed me up for theatre camp to channel my “big personality” into a creative outlet. I ended up loving it and have continued performing and later producing theatre for nearly 20 years. I attended LTA summer camp as a kid and found my way back as an adult. It’s amazing to be a part of such a welcoming and vibrant theatre community. What advice would you give others who are interested in working in theatre?

If you’re interested, I’d say go for it. Contact your local theatre to learn about performing, technical, and producing opportunities. Don’t want to be on stage? No problem! Theatre involves builders, technicians, costumers, managers, and more. It takes a village to put on a show. Seize your moment and write your omelette