From Broadway Buzz to Orange County Laughs: Something Rotten! Brings a Fresh Dose of Musical Mayhem to the Rose Center Theater
- Rose Center Theater
- May 27
- 3 min read
What happens when you mix Shakespeare, tap-dancing soothsayers, musical showstoppers, and the pressure to write the world’s first-ever musical? You get Something Rotten! — the 10-time Tony-nominated Broadway hit that's now preparing to charm audiences in Orange County.
While the Rose Center Theater's upcoming summer production promises a fresh and local spin on this outrageous Renaissance romp, its roots lie in Broadway brilliance. Created by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick — a Grammy-winning songwriting duo — and choreographed by Tony-winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Aladdin), Something Rotten! first took the stage in 2015, dazzling New York audiences with its bold originality and tongue-in-cheek nods to musical theater history.
And now, that same magic is making its way to the Rose Center Theater stage starting June 27 — with a stellar cast, imaginative direction by Tim Nelson, and all the over-the-top musical hilarity you’d expect from a show that dares to ask, “What if Shakespeare had competition?”
🎬 The Broadway Spark That Lit the Fire
In the official Broadway teaser, the show’s creators described Something Rotten! as “a love letter to musical theater” — one that celebrates the genre’s greatest hits while gleefully poking fun at them. The show is packed with high-energy dance numbers, rapid-fire comedy, and a meta-theatrical spirit that turns every musical cliché on its head.
Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick, known for their work with artists like Eric Clapton, Garth Brooks, and Amy Grant, teamed up with screenwriter John O’Farrell to craft a book that walks the fine line between clever and chaotic. Their genius? They imagined a world where two playwright brothers in 1595 struggle to compete with the ever-popular William Shakespeare — and turn to a fortune teller who predicts the future of theater: musicals. Cue the dancing omelets.
👑 From the Great White Way to Westminster, California
Bringing this high-concept, high-octane show to life in Orange County is no small feat. But with the Rose Center Theater’s commitment to local talent, community engagement, and Broadway-caliber production values, audiences are in for a treat.
The cast has officially begun rehearsals, and based on early behind-the-scenes glimpses, it’s clear this production will offer all the splash, sass, and spectacular showmanship of its Broadway predecessor. Expect larger-than-life characters, over-the-top costumes, and choreography that’ll leave you humming “A Musical” for days.
From high school theater fans to seasoned Broadway buffs, this show offers something for everyone — and tickets are already selling quickly.
🎟️ Don’t Miss Your Chance to Experience the Madness
Something Rotten! opens June 27 and runs through July 20, with a special Gala Performance on Saturday, June 28 at 6:30 PM. Group rates are available for parties of 16 or more, and early booking is highly recommended for prime seating.
So whether you're a fan of Shakespeare, musicals, or simply love a good laugh, this is one summer production you won’t want to miss.
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