University of Dubuque's Department of Fine and Performing Arts to Present 'Something Rotten!'

DUBUQUE, Iowa - 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.

"Something Rotten! is the biggest theatrical effort that I have been involved with since joining the UD community. We have the largest cast yet, and they have enthusiastically risen to the many challenges this musical offers," Klinebriel said. "This show is not only a clever, comic celebration of William Shakespeare, it also pays homage to the artform through its constant inclusion of musical theatre references. One of the challenges that has made this effort so unique for us has been the tackling of large dance numbers. Our guest choreographer, Rebecca Dral, has created such incredibly fun and challenging dance steps for our cast, and it has been exciting to watch the ensemble work so hard to bring to life the choreography that Rebecca has introduced to them. I can't wait for audiences to experience the pure joy and electric energy that the cast is bringing to this great musical!"

Jeni Knepper, a senior business and wellness and exercise science double major from Cascade, Iowa, has enjoyed challenging herself as part of the ensemble and in the costume shop.

"So far, being part of the ensemble has been an amazing yet challenging experience. Like many others, I haven't done a dance-heavy musical in years. It has been challenging adapting to dancing and singing, yet watching people grow every day including myself makes it worth it," Knepper said. "Working in costumes has also been a great experience. I learn something new every day and get so much joy in helping out behind the scenes."

Tickets may be purchased now! Stop by the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, 2255 Bennett Street; call 563.585.7469; or visit https://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.

"I hope the audience takes away how much effort we have put into this performance," Knepper said. "Each of us are dedicating countless hours on and off stage to make this one of the best UD musicals ever!"

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

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