What If Shakespeare Had to Compete with Jazz Hands? Inside the Hilariously Historic World of Something Rotten!
- Rose Center Theater
- May 5
- 2 min read
What If Shakespeare Had to Compete with Jazz Hands?
Inside the Hilariously Historic World of Something Rotten!
Before Hamilton, before The Producers, before Cats (questionably), there was… Nothing. No jazz hands. No musical numbers. No chorus line with feathered fans. Just words. Lots and lots of eloquent, brilliant, poetic words—especially if your name was Shakespeare.
But what if someone had invented musicals in 1595?
That’s the laugh-out-loud question at the heart of Something Rotten!, the Tony-nominated Broadway smash opening June 27 at the Rose Center Theater. Part farce, part satire, part love letter to Broadway itself, this gloriously over-the-top production imagines a world where two struggling playwrights challenge the Bard by creating something revolutionary: the world’s first musical.
Yes. In tights.
🎼 History Meets Hilarity
Something Rotten! is set in Elizabethan England, a time when William Shakespeare is a rock star and every theater-goer is obsessed with his every sonnet. But playwright brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to steal the spotlight.
With the help of a dubious soothsayer (who hilariously misinterprets the future of musical theater), the brothers attempt to write a play with singing, dancing, and—gasp—an omelet-themed tap number.
What follows is a wildly original journey full of Easter eggs for Broadway fans, Shakespeare lovers, and anyone who enjoys a strong belt note followed by a stronger punchline.
🧠 Smarter Than It Has Any Right to Be
Though it’s unapologetically ridiculous (we’re looking at you, “Make an Omelette”), Something Rotten! is also wickedly smart. It’s a show that pokes fun at your favorite Broadway classics, all while doubling as a backstage comedy, sibling rivalry saga, and cheeky parody of the theatrical canon.
And that’s what makes it sing.
It’s Shakespeare with jazz hands. Iambic pentameter meets power chords. Renaissance realism collides with razzle-dazzle—and somehow, it all works.
🌟 Why This Production Is a Must-See
The Rose Center Theater’s production showcases a cast of talented local performers and dazzling choreography that blends Renaissance flair with Broadway bravado. Whether you’re a die-hard theater fan or a curious newcomer, this show has something for everyone:
For Shakespeare fans: See the Bard spoofed, praised, and punked in the most loving way.
For musical lovers: Every number is a nod to Broadway classics—and it’s trivia gold.
For comedy fans: From slapstick to satire, this show is as witty as it is wild.
Plus, there’s a Gala Performance on Saturday, June 28 with food, festivities, and a musical number that may involve eggs. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
🤔 A Fun Question to Ask Yourself...
Who really invented the musical? Was it Rodgers & Hammerstein? Andrew Lloyd Webber? Lin-Manuel Miranda? Or… was it Nick Bottom?
(If you know, you know.)
🎟️ Reserve Your Seats Now
Something Rotten! runs June 27 through July 20, 2025 at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster, CA. With toe-tapping numbers, over-the-top costumes, and an unforgettable twist on theater history, it’s the perfect summer escape.
Keywords: Something Rotten musical, Rose Center Theater, Shakespeare comedy play, Broadway in Orange County, Musical theater summer 2025, Renaissance musical comedy, Local theater productions, What is the world’s first musical
