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A pair of playwrights races to create the world’s first musical in Something Rotten! JR, a family-friendly comedy running Jan. 17-26 at Aldersgate Church Community Theater in Alexandria.

Set in the 1590s, the show follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom as they struggle to produce a hit while living in the shadow of William Shakespeare. Their prospects change when a fortune teller predicts that theater’s future will combine acting, singing and dancing, inspiring the brothers to attempt something entirely new.

The youth production is adapted from the Broadway musical created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick and screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. The original show earned several Best Musical nominations.

Director Julia St. Pierre said she was eager to stage the junior adaptation because its music and comedy appeal to different generations. She described it as a return to classic musicals, complete with large production numbers and colorful characters.

Producer Carolina Chirhart said the show blends historical references with contemporary humor while parodying both Shakespeare and Broadway. The junior edition uses simplified language, a shorter running time and age-appropriate adjustments while retaining the original story’s spirit.

Area youth make up the cast. Sammie Weinstein plays Nancy Nostradamus, a reimagined female version of the Renaissance soothsayer. Nancy’s less-than-reliable powers steer the protagonist toward creating the first musical.

Eliza Froemke, appearing in her first role since the COVID-19 pandemic, plays Bea. Froemke described the character as sassy and highly motivated, adding that Bea has long been a dream role for her.

Cathey Manley provides musical direction for the upbeat, traditional Broadway-style score. Michelle Koros choreographed the production, including the dance numbers “A Musical” and “We See the Light.”

Performances are at Aldersgate Church Community Theater, 1301 Collingwood Road in Alexandria.