‘Something Rotten!’ at Smith Center

To be, or not to be, a musical.

That was never the question for the creators of “Something Rotten!” It was more like the answer.

After all, the Elizabethan-era musical romp — which opens an eight-performance run Tuesday at The Smith Center’s Reynolds Hall — focuses on the production of the very first musical.

It’s called “Omelette: The Musical.” (Not to be confused with “Hamlet,” although there’s an undeniable ham-and-eggs connection in there somewhere.)

There’s also a definite connection between the creators of said “Omelette” — brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, who run a stage troupe in 1595 London — and their theatrical nemesis, one William Shakespeare by name.

In Nick Bottom’s view, Will is a pill. Or, to quote Nick in one of the musical’s opening songs, “I just don’t get it, how a mediocre actor from a measly little town is suddenly the brightest jewel in England’s royal crown.”

Nigel, by contrast, argues that Shakespeare’s “poetry soars like a sweet violin; God’s own inspiration like lightning doth strike him,” prompting Nick to complain, “Jeez, you sound just like him.”

Beyond the power of Shakespeare’s pen, however, there’s the problem of Shakespeare’s celebrity.

Preening in “Will Power,” Shakespeare shakes it like a rock star, regaling the assembled multitudes with these modest lyrics: “I am the Will with the skill to thrill you with my quill — I am the hard-working Bard you regard.”

It may be difficult to declaim with one’s tongue firmly in cheek, but “Something Rotten!” and its central performers manage the feat with ease.

Then again, they’ve had practice.

That’s because the three actors headlining the tour — Rob McClure as Nick Bottom (yes, he shares a name with the weaver who metamorphoses into a literal ass, thanks to some mischievous magic in the real Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”), Josh Grisetti as brother Nigel and Adam Pascal as Will Shakespeare — closed the show Jan. 1 on Broadway before taking it on the road.

Although the touring version “pretty much is” the Broadway show, according to director-choreographer Casey Nicholaw, “we made a few tweaks here and there.”

Performances are at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. show Saturday and Sunday.