A classic portrait of William Shakespeare defaced with red doodles, including glasses, a mustache, arrows, and the phrase ‘I hate Shakespeare’ written across the face.
A logo for Something Rotten

Studio Tenn Produces the 10x Tony-Nominated Musical Comedy

May 6 to 23, 2027

Season 16 Ticket Holders get exclusive first access to renew from April 14-27.

Season Tickets open to the general public on April 28.

If You Love Musicals—or Simply Love to LaughSomething Rotten! Is for You

Something Rotten! is a deliriously funny Broadway musical comedy about two struggling playwright brothers determined to outshine the biggest arrogant rock star of their time—William Shakespeare. Desperate for a hit play, Nick Bottom visits a fortuneteller, who predicts the future of theater: “How about a musical?!” Armed with this questionable prophecy, Nick and his brother Nigel set out to create the world’s very first musical—complete with singing, dancing, and one outrageously ridiculous musical number that hilariously confuses “Hamlet” with “omelette.”

Packed with show-stopping songs, razor-sharp wit, and hilarious nods to Broadway classics, this wildly inventive show is often called one of the smartest and funniest musical comedies ever written. You don’t have to know anything about Shakespeare to love it—whether you adore him or can’t stand him, Something Rotten! will have you laughing from start to finish.

And with music and lyrics by Middle Tennessee native Wayne Kirkpatrick, this Broadway hit has a special connection right here to our own community.

Studio Tenn official tickets are only sold through Ticketmaster.com or through our in-house box office.

Performance Information

Runtime: 2 hours & 30 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission

Content Advisory: suggestive language, crude humor

Age Recommendation: 13+

Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell, Music & lyrics by Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick

Special Events

  • Sunday, May 16th at 1:00 PM

    Join the Artistic Director and cast members after select shows to ask questions and learn about the production and rehearsal process. This is a chance to connect with the artists you've just seen onstage and discuss the performance and content.

  • Saturday, May 15th at 2:00 PM

    Studio Tenn has partnered with Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to provide an ASL-interpreted performance at the second Saturday matinee of each production.

  • Saturday, May 22nd at 2:00 pm

    Studio Tenn is proud to present sensory-friendly performances at the third Saturday matinee of each show. Sensory-friendly performances include modified lighting and sound, calming areas, and noise-reducing headphones, among other accessibility devices.

Ticket Offers

  • Students can visit the box office up to 90 minutes before showtime and present their valid student ID to receive $25 tickets. Subject to availability, and first come, first served.

  • Active members or Veterans can present their valid military ID at the box office to receive 15% off their tickets.

  • Educators can present their valid school ID at the box office to receive a 15% discount.

  • Groups of 8 or more receive 25% off tickets!

    Tickets starting at $30!

    For info, contact jeanthornton@studiotenn.com or (615) 541-8200

A classic portrait of William Shakespeare defaced with red doodles, including glasses, a mustache, arrows, and the phrase ‘I hate Shakespeare’ written across the face.

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