Teen Britney Spears Musical Opens at Company Theatre
A bold, funny and empowering fairytale remix arrives on the South Shore this winter as Once Upon A One More Timeopens Friday, Jan. 16, at The Company Theatre in Norwell.
Presented by A.C.T. Youth Productions, the teen-led production features a full live band performing 23 of Britney Spears’ biggest hits, bringing pop energy and theatrical storytelling together on stage.
The jukebox musical flips classic fairytales on their head when a fairy godmother goes rogue and introduces storybook heroines to The Feminine Mystique. As familiar princesses begin questioning the stories they’ve always been told, they embark on a quest to redefine “happily ever after” on their own terms, underscored by high-energy live music.
A.C.T. Youth Productions is part of the Academy of the Company Theatre, an educational performing arts program founded in 1987 that places live music at the center of its training. Students receive instruction in acting, voice and dance while performing full-length musicals accompanied by professional musicians — an experience typically reserved for adult professional productions.
Each year, A.C.T. produces youth and teen shows with grand sets, elaborate costumes and live music, reinforcing its commitment to professional-level theater. The Academy is the educational arm of The Company Theatre, a regional professional theater known for immersive live performance and year-round classes and workshops for all ages.
The teen production is directed by Sally Ashton Forrest, co-director of The Company Theatre, who said the musical offers more than pop nostalgia.
“I honestly went into it thinking the appeal would be the Britney Spears music,” Forrest said. “But I was surprised by how strong the story is. It’s smart, funny and deeper than I expected, and that’s what really sold me.”
She added that once audiences understand the story’s message, the show’s appeal becomes clear.
“At the end of the day, it’s just a really fun night at the theater,” Forrest said.
Among the cast is high school student Jake Martins, who plays Prince Charming and describes the production as big, comedic and high-energy.
“It’s a big show, and it’s very comedic,” Martins said. “We have a lot of talented people in our cast and our crew is amazing.”
Performances of Once Upon A One More Time run Friday through Sunday on Jan. 16–18 and Jan. 23–25 at The Company Theatre. Tickets are on sale now and available online.