In The Beginning, a new musical comedy from the Mercury Players Theatre, is now showing at the Bartell Theater. The show pokes fun at the notion of creationism and all the realistically absurd stories and symbols that go along with it. Local writers Andrew Rohn and Catherine Capellaro, also credited with such works as Temp Slave and Walmartopia, present us with another satirical script that departs only slightly from their previous subject matter. While their other productions mostly deal with the corporate world and all its ridiculous greed and hilarious injustices, In The Beginning takes a step towards the spiritual. Many religious beliefs appear preposterous when viewed through the musical’s harshly logical lens, and theatergoers throughout Madison will be able to enjoy the hilarious absurdism likely to ensue.

The show features zany narrative twists to the traditional story of evolution; among these alterations include a talking, singing fish in the place of what would be a serpent, and Eve is turned on her head as she is portrayed as a kidnapped, amnesiac ape. Crucial to the odd, creationist story is a frustrated and fundamentalist Adam, who laments against the seductive fish and his scientific take on the world as he tries to lead Eve to see his way and fulfill a biblical prophecy. The entertainment starts Sept. 4 and runs through Sept. 26. Show times are at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12 for Thursday and Sunday performances and $18 for Friday and Saturday performances.