Opening Weekend Triumph: Something Rotten! Brings Down the House at the Rose Center Theater

A Raucous, Riotous Hit Has Arrived in Orange County

Opening weekend of Something Rotten! at Rose Center Theater was nothing short of a triumph. From the moment the overture hit to the final curtain call, audiences were treated to a non-stop rollercoaster of music, mayhem, and side-splitting laughter, proving once again that the Rose Center Theater knows how to deliver a show-stopping production that hits all the right notes.

In its first performances, this Renaissance-meets-Broadway musical comedy dazzled packed houses with its high-energy cast, whip-smart direction, and a production design that transported theatergoers to a world of ambition, absurdity, and over-the-top Shakespearean flair. If you missed opening weekend, don’t worry, Something Rotten! is just getting started, and the best seats are still up for grabs.

A Cast That Crushed It

Audiences fell in love with the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, played by Jacob Phelen and Jeremy Vance, whose chemistry and comedic timing anchored the show with warmth and mischief. Phelen’s Nick is bold, brash, and brilliantly funny, while Vance’s Nigel is the perfect wide-eyed dreamer, delivering heartfelt moments and show-stealing vocals in equal measure.

Brennan Eckberg’s Shakespeare swaggered onto the stage and practically stopped the show with his rockstar take on the Bard. Every scene he entered was met with cheers, laughter, and occasionally, gasps...he’s that good. Tawni Bridenball’s Bea Bottom earned raucous applause with her fierce, funny, and fearless portrayal of a woman ahead of her time. Rounding out the ensemble was a knockout cast that never let the energy drop for a second.

From ensemble dance breaks to quick-witted solos, the performances were tight, polished, and bursting with joy, a testament to the weeks of rehearsal and the clear passion this cast brings to the stage.

A Visual and Musical Feast

Visually, Something Rotten! is a treat. The costume design brings Elizabethan flair with Broadway sparkle, from corsets and codpieces to sequined tunics. The sets are clever and colorful, with movable pieces that turn the stage into bustling streets, intimate parlors, and glitzy musical numbers in the blink of an eye.

Musically, the show soars. With songs like “Welcome to the Renaissance,” “A Musical,” and “To Thine Own Self,” the production walks a brilliant line between parody and tribute, delivering musical theater references that had Broadway fans in the audience howling. Under the direction of Tim Nelson, the cast kept the pace tight and the harmonies rich, elevating every number into a full-blown theatrical celebration.

Audiences React: Standing Ovations and Belly Laughs

It’s rare to hear this much laughter in a theater, but Something Rotten! had audiences in stitches from start to finish. Each night ended in standing ovations, with theatergoers gushing in the lobby afterward about their favorite moments.

“I haven’t laughed that hard in years,” said one attendee on Friday night. “The cast was incredible, and I couldn’t believe how many musical references they managed to sneak in. I want to see it again...and bring more friends!”

That’s the magic of this show: it’s clever enough for Broadway aficionados and silly enough for first-time theatergoers. Whether you’re a Shakespeare scholar, a musical junkie, or someone just looking for a great night out, Something Rotten! delivers on every front.

The Buzz Is Building

Opening weekend has set the bar high, and word is spreading fast. With multiple sold-out performances on the horizon and social media buzzing with audience selfies, praise for the cast, and videos from the electric Gala Night reception, Something Rotten! is quickly becoming the must-see show of the summer.

If you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, now’s the time. With this kind of momentum, remaining performances are expected to sell quickly, and you won’t want to miss your chance to be part of the fun.

Upcoming Performances and Ticket Info

Something Rotten! continues at Rose Center Theater now through July 20, with performances on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Whether you’re coming for the comedy, the music, or the chance to see local talent shine on stage, this is one show that’s worth every minute.

Don’t miss out — grab your tickets now and see what everyone’s talking about.

Visit www.rosecentertheater.com to reserve your seats and experience the Renaissance riot that’s bringing down the house.

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