CENTERVILLE—It’s Shakespeare at its best – with a modern twist. From start to finish, that’s what makes CenterPoint Legacy Theatre’s production of the musical comedy, “Something Rotten,” just plain fun.

William Shakespeare, “The Bard,” has taken Elizabethan England by storm. Everywhere he goes women swoon and men look at him in awe. He wasn’t always that well known though. Before becoming a famous playwright, Shakespeare was a simple actor in a play written and directed by the Bottom brothers Nick and Nigel. When Nick encourages Shakespeare to branch out and become a writer, that begins his rise to glory leaving Nick and Nigel behind trying to find the next great idea.

In desperation, Nick seeks out the help of soothsayer Thomas Nostradamus, to see what Shakespeare is working on. The soothsayer tells Nick that the next big thing will be a musical. Nick has never heard of such a thing but decides he should give it a try but the befuddled soothsayer gets a bit confused about what he sees and tells Nick Shakespeare’s next great play will be “Omelette” instead of “Hamlet.” Nick sets to work to create a show centered around eggs.

In the meantime, Nigel just doesn’t think “Omelette” feels right and starts to write his own version using his poetry that comes from the heart. Shakespeare learns of Nick’s play and decides to pretend to be an actor in order to get the scoop.

Throughout the show, the audience gets subtle references to well-known plays that make the whole thing even funnier and the cast of characters pulls it all together. 

Isaac Carillo (Shakespeare, M/W/F) steals the show whenever he walks on stage parading around like a rockstar. A tap dance off between Shakespeare and Nick is especially entertaining. J.R. Moore plays down and out Nick Bottom (M/W/F) who hopes that success is right around the corner if he can just come up with the right idea. Nigel Bottom (Zach Watts, M/W/F) is a tender-hearted poet that wants to please his older brother Nick but also wants to make his own way.

It’s Renaissance meets the 20th Century that makes “Something Rotten” something special. Prepare to be entertained.

“Something Rotten” plays now through Sept. 2 Monday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $19-$37 and are available online at CPTUtah.org or at the box office, 801-298-1302. CenterPoint is located at 525 N. 400 West, Centerville.