Two brothers set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway.

Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, Something Rotten.  Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, Something Rotten was lauded by audience members and critics alike, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed by Time Out New York as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years".

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit 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.

For over two decades, the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts has provided a venue for talented actors, musicians, and dancers to entertain local audiences. Our volunteer organization has mounted dozens of productions ranging from classic and contemporary Broadway musicals and plays to children's productions. We hope you will join us in our exciting 2020 season! In 2006, the physical condition of our former facility on Laurel Street in Hazleton had deteriorated to the point that it became a significant drain to our financial and personal resources. As such, it was decided to sell the building and move on to greener pastures. We have been fortunate indeed to have found several venues in the area in which to perform our shows. The Strand in McAdoo and The Factory in Nuremberg have both lent their stages to our performers. We graciously thank the people involved with these facilities as they have welcomed us with open arms and open hearts. In January of 2010, after 24 productions at the J.J. Ferrara Center, the PTPA became its proud new owner! With a new home and a renewed energy for the arts, you can be assured that the PTPA will continue to provide quality theatrical performances and remain as a much-needed cultural outlet for the talents of our community. Please watch this site for updated notices of our future productions, auditions, and other activities. But, if you really want to experience the excitement of live theater, you will have to turn off that computer, get out of the house, and experience a PTPA production for yourself!