Renaissance Faire season is upon us, and to get in the mood, do yourself a favor and come see The Woodland Opera House summer production of “Something Rotten!”

This egg-cellent show brings non-stop comedy and talent galore, which will make you hungry for more. With book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, and with music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick, theatre fans will not be disappointed.

The show opens with a minstrel (Rodney Chaney) introducing us to life in Renaissance England. Soon we learn that life isn’t so great for playwrights like Nick and Nigel Bottom (Peter DeMarzio, Nathan Uebelhoer), who have to compete against William Shakespeare (Christopher Travlos) for patrons and an audience. Nick’s wife, Bea (Ernestine Balisi), tries to help out by getting a job. Nick gets desperate and hires Nostradamus (Eddie Voyce) to tell him what’s popular in the future, which leads to the show-stopping number “A Musical.” Yes, the applause after the number continued for at least three minutes!

DeMarzio really carried the show with massive gesticulations, superb facial expressions, and excellent singing. Voyce’s physical comedy was impressive, along with good dancing and great timing. Balisi commanded the stage and has become a true A-list performer, whipping up the crowd with her song “Right Hand Man”. Her character Bea, was so smart and lovable, supporting her husband and getting him out of jams. I can’t wait to see what “roll” she chooses next!

The chemistry between Nigel and Portia (Annika Tamaki) was sweet and adorable. I loved the casting with Uebelhoer being so tall and Tamaki on the short side. Their tender voices blended so beautifully, and their duet “I Love The Way” was delightful. They also rocked it with the ensemble number “We See The Light.”

Travlos played the hot villain in this show and had the girls screaming for him in his signature song “Will Power,” which has a rock concert vibe. He was hilarious and cool at the same time. Even more impressive were the Bard Girls (Kaori Catalan, Katie Halls, Arianna Manabat, Jamie Symes), who were egg-ceptionally captivating in their black corseted outfits, which were my favorite costumes in the show. They really flattered their figures and enhanced their dance moves.

Great singing, dancing, and acting by the cast and an exceptionally talented ensemble thrilled us with so much talent to boot. Another show stopper was the tap dancing eggs in “Something Rotten” / “Make An Omelette.” And then there was a tap dancing dance off between two of the leads.

Speaking of dancing, Director and Choreographer Staci Arriaga did a smashing job, and like a delicious soufflé, her production rose to the top. Period costumes (Denise Miles) were high-end and the recorded music backtracks actually worked well with this dance-heavy show. The sound system and mics were good, and music director Jia-Min Rosendale should be proud of the singing. The stage was expanded by the use of the side balcony areas, which really worked with production.

This egg-citing show is a feel-good breath of fresh air (despite the show’s name) that all ages can enjoy. You will love it.

Shows run Thursday through Sunday now until June 28. Tickets are only available through WoodlandOperaHouse.org or at the box office.

By Jennifer Goldman, theatre reviewer