TURNERS FALLS — Turners Falls High School and Great Falls Middle School are trying to make fetch a thing for their fall musical production of “Mean Girls Jr.”

Based on the “Mean Girls” musical that was adapted from the iconic 2004 film, this production of “Mean Girls Jr.” will have a largely different cast performing on alternate days beginning Thursday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 24.

The “pink” cast will open on Thursday at 7 p.m. and perform again on Saturday at 7 p.m., while the “green” cast will perform Friday at 7 p.m. and will close out the series of performances during a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

The show follows the perils of navigating high school with Cady Heron, the new girl at North Shore High School in Evanston, Illinois, befriending Janis Sarkisian and Damian Hubbard. The popular group, made up of leader Regina George, Gretchen Wieners and Karen Smith, set their sights on Cady when Janis convinces her to be friends with them to knock Regina down a few pegs. In the effort to become popular, though, Cady looses herself, her true friends and her crush Aaron Samuels, and she must try to make amends with those she hurt most.

The cast and crew of 45 students from middle school and high school began rehearsing in August to put on “Mean Girls Jr.,” with students typically rehearsing eight hours per week. Director Kimberly Rose said that since a group of seniors graduated in the spring, this musical has been an opportunity to rebuild the theater program and allow current students a chance to gain experience on stage.

“When we double cast, it gives more kids an opportunity to try being in the spotlight. Our fall musical tends to be a more introductory level compared to our spring production,” Rose explained. “So there’s a variety of skill in this group, but all of the kids have worked very hard.”

Assistant Director Jessica Vachula-Curtis said the biggest challenge has been the cast’s stamina, explaining that the students are not only busy with the musical, but are also involved with other sports and school activities.

Despite the time commitment and a younger cast, Vachula-Curtis said the performers have been making progress, especially in the dances that some students helped choreograph.

“There’s been some moments where some of the kids have done a really great job with dancing,” Vachula-Curtis said. “We have a few really strong dancers in the cast, which is nice, and so they have a lot of enthusiasm and have done some pretty complicated dance moves.”

One of the students who helped choreograph the performance is sophomore Addison Talbot, who plays Cady in the “pink” cast. She said although getting the dances complete was “tedious,” having choreographed three different routines, the process was still fun, and she hopes audiences come to see the funny and inspiring show.

Tickets can be purchased at the door at the school, located at 222 Turnpike Road. Performances, alternating between the two casts, will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.