Set in the '90s (as in the 1590s), the Broadway smash "Something Rotten!" is a hilarious new musical that tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write their own hit play while the "rock star" Shakespeare keeps getting all the hits. 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.

The brainchild of real-life brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick and author John O’Farrell, “Something Rotten!” was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The best part is that, as part of the Victoria Theatre Association's Broadway Series, "Something Rotten!" will be playing right here in Dayton at the Schuster Center (1 West Second Street) from Tuesday, March 20, through Sunday, March 25. Tickets start at $26 and are available for purchase right now.

Here are five reasons that you can’t afford to miss “Something Rotten!” during its run at the Schuster Center:

1. It's Broadway at its best. "Something Rotten!" is a big, splashy Broadway show with elaborate costumes, amazing dance numbers and gut-busting laughs. It's a great way to introduce Broadway to someone new to theater, but it's still great fun for veteran theater-goers.

2. It's funny. Not just funny -- it's FUNNY! The show's jokes reference not only the musicals that inspired the creators, but also musicals people would know even if they hadn't seen them, or maybe had only seen the movie. The same with Shakespeare -- everybody knows some Shakespeare lines. Some of the laugh lines are pointed at musical theater itself, a veritable feast for fans and geeks who adore "Rent," "Cats," "A Chorus Line," "Chicago," "Les Misérables," "Annie" and dozens of other iconic musicals from the Broadway cannon.

3. It's a valentine to musical theater. Broadway fans will love this hilarious, fictional telling of the "very first musical," and the number of musical theater and Shakespearian references, tie-ins, winks and nods will keep them on their toes throughout the whole show. However, those who may not know all the references will still be able to enjoy the cleverness and humor of the story.

4. You don't have to love Shakespeare to enjoy this show. William Shakespeare is played as a world-weary writer who finds being famous so much more enjoyable than actually coming up with new ideas. Presented as a Renaissance rock star, complete with swagger, eye-liner and groupies, he's a cross between Mick Jagger, James Brown and Austin Powers.

5. No translation required. There is no Olde English or Shakespearean-type language; it's completely in modern English. There are plenty of funny Shakespearean references, but if you aren't familiar with Shakespeare, it doesn't take away from the story, at all.

The Associated Press says "Something Rotten!" is the "funniest thing since 'The Book of Mormon!'" A brand new, completely original musical comedy with romance, bromance, laughs and a great heart, you'll want to see "Something Rotten!" more than once. Click here to learn more about the show or to purchase tickets through TicketCenterStage.com, but hurry -- this one is going to sell fast!

All photos © Jeremy Daniel