Calling all musical theater and Shakespeare fans — SOMETHING ROTTEN! has arrived in Sacramento and you won’t want to miss this clever comedy being performed at the UC Davis Health Pavilion. Packed full of witty puns and endless jokes, this toe-tapping show will have you wiping tears of laughter from your eyes while you grin from ear to ear. 

Set in the 1590s, SOMETHING ROTTEN! tells the story of Nick (Matt Loehr) and Nigel (Ben Fankhauser) Bottom, two playwright brothers who find that in all their theater endeavors, they keep getting overshadowed by a renaissance rockstar named William Shakespeare (Colin Hanlon). Trying to outdo the famous ROMEO AND JULIET writer, older brother Nick, seeks the help of Soothsayer, Nostradamus (Josh Lamon) whose visions foretell not only Shakespeare’s next big production, but also the future of theater itself. With the help of Nostradamus, the Bottom brothers set out to create the world’s very first musical. Silliness ensues through a production of “Omelette” (not to be confused with “Hamlet”), where singing and dancing are part of the show, and sometimes, they happen even at the same time.   

Speaking of singing and dancing, this show has some of the best I’ve seen, specifically during the number “A Musical”, which is the epitome of all-things musical theatre. I really loved “Right Hand Man” sung by Bea (Jackie Burns), whose character is all about equality and her support of her husband. “Will Power” is a rib-tickling number in which William Shakespeare appears in leather Renaissance tights to sing and dance to his idolizing fans. Really, there are so many great numbers in this show that are super catchy, fun, and all out silly. You’ll be laughing for days to follow. 

You’ll definitely be wowed by Renaissance-era costumes, the blocking work on a 360-degree stage, and most importantly, the amazing talent that the cast and crew showcase throughout the entire show. If you haven’t already, be sure to get your tickets to see SOMETHING ROTTEN! showing now through July 31 at the UC Davis Health Pavilion. It’s “Eggs”cellent! Learn more here.