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Something Rotten is Coming to Starlight Theatre

• Community
• 06/15/2026

“There’s something wonderfully chaotic about Something Rotten!” director Mychall Miller-Cornejo said. 

“It’s packed with tap numbers, Shakespearean drama, Renaissance flair, and more musical theatre references than should probably be legal. It’s loud, fast, unapologetically theatrical, and absolutely hilarious.”

Performances run June 17–20 and July 22–26 at RVC Starlight Theatre as audiences are invited into the wildly inventive world of Something Rotten!, the Broadway hit that follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom as they struggle to compete with William Shakespeare and accidentally create the world’s first musical.

Packed with dancing eggs, Renaissance flair, Shakespearean drama, and rapid-fire musical theatre references, the production embraces comedy at full speed while celebrating the chaos of artistic ambition.

But beneath the comedy, Miller-Cornejo says the story resonates deeply with anyone who has ever tried to create something meaningful.

“What I love most about this show is that it understands theatre people a little too well,” he said. “The overthinking, the desperation to create something meaningful, the jealousy, the ego, the spiraling after one bad rehearsal, and the confidence of saying ‘this is going to work’ with absolutely no proof whatsoever.”

At its core, the musical explores the uncertainty and drive behind artistic creation.

“Beneath all the comedy, Something Rotten! is really about artists trying to figure out if what they create matters,” Miller-Cornejo said.

For the director, the production also highlights why theatre continues to matter.

He credited the cast and creative team for fully embracing the show’s outrageous style while grounding it in sincerity.

“This cast and creative team embraced every ridiculous moment with complete sincerity, which somehow made it even funnier,” he said. “Watching this company fully commit to giant musical numbers, dramatic Shakespearean monologues, and songs like ‘Black Death’ without hesitation has been an absolute gift.”

Miller-Cornejo emphasized that theatre, at its best, creates connection.

“As a director, I always find myself returning to stories that create connection,” he said. “At its best, theatre reflects us back to ourselves. It allows us to laugh at our insecurities, recognize ourselves in one another, and leave feeling a little less alone.”

He also praised the ensemble for building a rehearsal room filled with collaboration, humor, and heart.

“This show asks so much of its performers: precision, energy, vulnerability, musicality, and complete commitment to the bit,” he said. “And this cast has exceeded every expectation.”

To the cast and crew, he offered gratitude for their dedication behind the scenes.

“This production would not exist without them,” Miller-Cornejo said. “Every laugh, every transition, every costume piece, every lighting cue, every musical moment, and every bit of magic on this stage exists because of their passion and dedication.”

Ultimately, he hopes audiences leave the theatre reminded of the power of shared joy and imagination.

“Because sometimes in a world that feels uncertain, overwhelming, or competitive, the most powerful thing we can do is continue creating. Continue connecting. Continue showing up for one another.”

For more information about Starlight's 60th anniversary or to purchase tickets, visit Starlight Theatre.

 

“Theatre is joyful. It’s messy and collaborative and occasionally held together with pure adrenaline. And when it works, there’s nothing quite like it.”

Mychall Miller-Cornejo, Director, Something Rotten!