Spring Musical Theatre Production: "Something Rotten!"

The University of Dubuque's Department of Fine and Performing Arts will perform Something Rotten!, music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick and book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell, at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 20-21, 2026, and 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2026, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center.

In this production of Something Rotten!, set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world's very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

Something Rotten! will be directed by Joe Klinebriel, MFA, professor of theatre at UD. The production's guest choreographer will be Rebecca Dral and its music director will be Kristen Eby, MM, head of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, director of choral activities, and associate professor of music at UD.

Tickets may be purchased now! Stop by the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, 2255 Bennett Street; call 563.585.7469; or visit www.dbq.edu/heritagecenter to purchase tickets. The box office is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 90 minutes prior to events.

Something Rotten! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. (www.mtishows.com)

This production of Something Rotten! is licensed by Music Theatre International.