A musical comedy based on a 1930s’ propaganda film and a children’s show inspired by a beloved author’s book are set to open in the Lehigh Valley.

Civic Theatre of Allentown will stage “Reefer Madness” June 20 to June 29 in Civic’s Nineteenth Street Theatre.

The Bill Mutimer Summer Theatre Series presents “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed - The Rock Experience” June 18 to July 28 at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem Township.

“Reefer Madness” is inspired by the 1936 film of the same title. The film is said to have been financed by a religious group that was attempting to teach the public about the dangers of cannabis use. It was later purchased, re-edited and distributed as an exploitation film. Rediscovered in the 1970s, it gained new life as an unintentional satire among cannabis-use advocates.

In 1998, the cult classic film was developed into a stage musical by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, debuting in Los Angeles. The production played off-Broadway in 2001.

The musical comedy takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria caused when clean-cut youths fall prey to marijuana, leading them on a hysterical downward spiral filled with jazz music, sex and violence.

All of this is overseen by a stern lecturer (Kelcie Kosberg), who warns parents of “the evils of the demon weed” as she urges them to see “the truth.”

The music ranges from big Broadway-style numbers to the jitterbug swing of “Down at the Ol’ Five and Dime” and the Las Vegas-style “Listen to Jesus, Jimmy,” featuring Jesus leading a chorus. Nothing is sacred in this show. Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus gets its “Hallelujahs” swapped out for “marijuana” in the raucous spoof.

The cast, including Olivia Behr, Asher Cooper, Cheryl Moritz, Dylan Miller, Nick Conti and Julie Massa, is directed by Rae Labadie.

“Reefer Madness,” 7:30 p.m. June 20, 26, 27; 10 p.m. June 21, 28; 2 p.m. June 22, 29, Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. 610-433-8903, https://civictheatre.com/

“Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience” has been adapted into a musical by three-time Caldecott Honors winner Mo Willems from his 2009 children’s book “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed.”

In the popular book, Wilbur (Aidan Weller) is a rodent with a knack for style. He’s a naked mole rat, and naked mole rats don’t wear clothes.

All of his fellow naked mole rats living in “The Tunnel” have always been naked. Wondering what other possibilities are out there, Wilbur discovers a love for clothing. When word of his new passion turns the Tunnel upside down, he proves to everyone that there’s no need to be just like everyone else.

The rock-inspired music is written by Deborah Wicks La Puma.

The cast, including Jayden McFadden, Adrian Colon-Burgos, Devvani Choudhury, Azelia Dos Santos, Maria Shorunke and Jordan Joseph, is directed by Clair M. Freeman with music director Rebecca Pieper and technical director Brett Oliveira.

Performances on June 28, July 12 and July 26 are sensory-friendly for individuals with sensory needs, including people on the autism spectrum, as well as young children. The show on those days will have dimmed house lights, reduced effects and a quiet area in the lobby.

“Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed - The Rock Experience,” 10 a.m. June 18, 19, 20, 21,25, 26, 28, July 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 23, 24, 26, 28; 1 p.m. June 20, 27, July 11,18, 25; 11 a.m. July 4, Bill Mutimer Summer Theatre Series, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. 484-484-3412, https://www.ncctix.org/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com