BY OBSERVER STAFF
OPELIKA — Opelika Community Theatre will open its 2026 season with the Broadway musical comedy “Something Rotten,” beginning Friday, Jan. 16, and running through Sunday, Jan. 25.
Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Fridays, with matinee-only performances at 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The production is presented in partnership with the City of Opelika, the Alabama Council for the Arts, Glynn Smith Chevrolet GMC, The Opelika Observer, Victor Vance USA Town Center and Theatre Huntsville.
Set in 1595 England, “Something Rotten” follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two struggling playwrights attempting to find success while competing with the popularity of William Shakespeare. Nick Bottom is played by Aslan “Ash” Parsons, with Alex Galloway portraying Nigel Bottom. Shakespeare is portrayed by Opelika native Onyx Wells.
Bella Hardin plays Bea Bottom, Nick’s wife. Josh Kroll, an Auburn University senior, appears as a soothsayer who predicts the future of theater and convinces Nick that musicals will dominate the stage.
Opelika pulmonologist Dr. Shashi Sharma makes his musical theater debut as Shylock, a landlord who dreams of becoming an actor.
Sean McDonald returns to the OCT stage as Brother Jeremiah, a Puritan leader determined to shut down the theater and prevent Nigel’s relationship with his daughter, Portia, played by Abby Miracle.
Additional cast members include Morgan Comolli as the Minstrel, Kaleb Clark as Robin, Tonecia Price as Lady Clapham, Cameron Whitlow, Jenny Underwood, Walter Greene, Melanie Pierce, Kyleriah Briskey, Lauryn Benson, Maggie Underwood, Silvia Marchetti and Justin Brasfield.
Seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased online at linktr.ee/OCT.
