For anyone who has ever wondered about the beginnings of musical theater, look no further for the answer than Something Rotten! JR, a musical comedy playing now through Jan. 26 at Aldersgate Church Community Theater.

Set in the 1590s, Something Rotten! JR is adapted from the Broadway hit that Time Out New York hailed as the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years. The play follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, who are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as The Bard. When a fortune teller predicts 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.

“I have always loved Something Rotten and was so excited when I found out that they were making a junior version so we could do it as a youth production,” said director Julia St. Pierre. “The music is amazing, and the comedic elements ring true for all ages. It is truly a throwback to the classic musicals with big musical numbers and hilarious characters.”

The outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce Something Rotten was created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. Audiences and critics praised the show, which received several Best Musical nominations.

“Something Rotten Jr. is a comedic, family-friendly musical that mixes historical references with modern humor, making it enjoyable for both younger audiences and adults,” said producer Carolina Chirhart. “Its playful tone and parody of Shakespeare and Broadway culture can attract theatergoers who enjoy clever storytelling and witty dialogue.”

The ACCT production features a talented cast of area youth in a hilarious mash-up of 16th-century Shakespeare and 21st-century Broadway.

Sammie Weinstein tackles the part of Nostradamus.

“I have been given the opportunity to play a real person that has been reimagined for Something Rotten Jr.,” Weinstein said. “I play the renaissance soothsayer, Nostradamus. Although, in this version he is changed to be his niece Nancy, yet the powers remain. Her powers, questionable at best, help the protagonist to create the very first musical.”

Eliza Froemke, in her first post-COVID role, plays Bea.

“My character, Bea, is definitely a very fun one to play,” Froemke said. “She’s sassy and super motivated, which lands her in some situations that I’ve had such a good time getting to bring alive onstage. Bea has been a dream role of mine for a long time and I hope I do her justice.”

The show is under the musical direction of Cathey Manley and features an upbeat, traditional Broadway style score. Choreography by Michelle Koros is showcased in energizing dance numbers like "A Musical" and "We See the Light.”

“The show introduces participants and audiences to Shakespearean themes and characters in a humorous, approachable way,” Chirhart said. “The ‘Jr.’ version is adapted to suit younger performers and audiences, with simplified language, shorter runtime, and adjustments for appropriateness while retaining the essence of the original production. Everyone in the family will enjoy this show.”

Something Rotten! JR is playing Jan. 17-26 at Aldersgate Church Community Theater, 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria, VA 22308. For tickets or more information visit www.acctonline.org.