THEATERWORKSUSA ANNOUNCES 2024-2025 SEASONTen different productions will tour North America through June 2025.
[New York City, NY, August 2024] – TheaterWorksUSA (Barbara Pasternack, Artistic Director; Michael Harrington, Executive Director), the nation’s leading not-for-profit professional theater company for young and family audiences, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2024-2025 touring season. This upcoming season includes the touring premiere of a new production of DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, as well as the return of two hit musicals inspired by the work of Dav Pilkey - DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL and CAT KID COMIC CLUB: THE MUSICAL.
Also touring this season are: ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST & FRIENDS; CHARLOTTE’S WEB; DOT DOT DOT: A NEW MUSICAL; EL OTRO OZ - launching out of TheaterWorksUSA’s Los Angeles hub; THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM; PETE THE CAT; and THE POUT-POUT FISH. Currently in development is STUNT BOY, IN THE MEANTIME based on the book by Jason Reynolds, and illustrated by Raúl the Third, due to premiere in Spring 2025 with details still to be confirmed.
2024 marks the 57th year that TheaterWorksUSA has been creating exceptional, transformative theatrical experiences that are accessible to young and family audiences in diverse communities across North America. With over 145 shows developed and produced, and over 100 million audience members reached, TheaterWorksUSA continues to jump-start the careers of countless writers, composers, and performers, along with inspiring children with enlightening content that encourages a positive, inclusive worldview.
In addition to touring productions, TheaterWorksUSA also offers Arts Education classes and is a licensed vendor for New York City public schools and Los Angeles United School District (LAUSD). For all school and community partners, TWUSA offers a full-service arts education program that comes with a fully developed theater-inspired curriculum, trained TWUSA teaching artists, and all the supplies needed for each session. The programs can be booked for in-school residencies, after-school programs, and seasonal camps. More information can be found on the Education page of TWUSA.ORG.
The upcoming season promises to be a feast for the imagination, presenting a range of theatrical experiences that blend creativity, storytelling, and educational value. From beloved classics to innovative new works, each production has been carefully selected to engage, educate, and enchant audiences nationwide. Visit TWUSA.ORG for more information.
ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST & FRIENDS
Ms. Greer's classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture. And Ada Twist's curiosity can lead her to solve any problem. A fun musical based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty (illustrated by David Roberts), which spotlights the STEM curriculum (focusing on science, technology, engineering and math). Recommended for ages 5-9.
ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST & FRIENDS features a book by Lauren Gunderson, music by Bree Lowdermilk, and lyrics by Kait Kerrigan. Original direction is by Peter Flynn and original choreography by Marcos Santana. Scenic design is by Anne Mundell, costume design is by Jen Caprio, and orchestrations are by Lloyd Kikoler. Tour direction is by Jillian Carrucci and tour choreography is by Michael Anthony Sylvester.
CAT KID COMIC CLUB: THE MUSICAL
Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have started an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics! Their fishy father Flippy is overjoyed that his kids will learn to unleash their creativity, but when the frogs’ constant bickering and outrageous imaginations send their comics comically off the rails, Flippy flips out! Will the club survive? Will the frogs ever get along? And will creativity finally save the day? All will be answered in this madcap musical based on Dav Pilkey’s irreverently hilarious book series. Recommended for ages 6-9.
This hilarious musical adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man spin-off series, Cat Kid Comic Club, is written by Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander - the team that brought you DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL! Set design is by Cameron Anderson, costume design is by Jen Caprio, lighting design is by David Lander, co-sound design is by Scott Stauffer and Jesse Desrosiers, puppet design/ fabrication is by AchesonWalsh Studios, and Orchestrations are by Brad Alexander. Direction and choreography is by Marlo Hunter and associate director and choreographer is Sara Andreas.
CHARLOTTE’S WEB
CHARLOTTE’S WEB is based on E.B. White's loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a "miracle." Spinning the words "Some Pig" in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever. This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship. Recommended for ages 5-10.
This adaptation of Charlotte’s Web is by Joseph Robinette, based on the novel by E.B. White. Design and original direction are by Andrew Rasmussen, costume design is by Tristan Raines, original music composition and orchestrations are by "Sheriff" Bob Saidenberg, Kat Minogue, Robert Abrahams, and Michael Donovan. Fall tour direction is by Stefan Dezil and spring tour direction is by Britt Berke.
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL is a hilarious production based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters. Recommended for ages 5+.
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL is written by Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander, who collaborated on the Emmy-winning series Peg + Cat on PBS, TheaterWorksUSA’s CLICK, CLACK, MOO and Clifford The Big Red Dog on PBS and Amazon. Original direction and choreography is by Jen Wineman. Orchestrations are by Lloyd Kikoler, set design is by Timothy R. Mackabee, costume design is by Heidi Leigh Hanson, original lighting design is by David Lander, and sound design is by Emma Wilk. Tour direction and choreography is by Candi Boyd.
DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!
Whatever you do, don't let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning "Pigeon" picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie's We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It's not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! is sure to get everyone's wings flapping. Recommended for ages 4-7.
DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! features a script by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton. Lyrics are by Mo Willems, music is by Deborah Wicks La Puma. Based on the book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! By Mo Willems. Set design is by Timothy R. Mackabee, costume design is by Heidi Leigh Hanson, props design is by Lake Simons. Direction and choreography is by Jen Wineman.
DOT DOT DOT: A NEW MUSICAL
DOT DOT DOT: A NEW MUSICAL is an exciting musical based on the Creatrilogy trio of award-winning picture books by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds- The Dot, Ish and Sky Color. Adapted by Composers Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond, the musical, like the series, celebrates the power of originality, self-expression, and opening our eyes to look beyond the expected. When Marisol (Sky Color), a young artist and curator of the Musee de Marisol, decides that her gallery requires more than her own art, her search for emerging talent leads her to Vashti (The Dot), whose dots inspire Ramon (Ish) to become an artist in his own right. The musical follows Marisol's journey to help her new friends, and her entire community, break free from self-criticism and learn to let their imaginations soar. Recommended for ages 6-9.
DOT DOT DOT is written by Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond, based on the books The Dot, Ish & Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds. Scenic design is by Riw Rakkulchon, and costume design is by Johanna Pan. Direction and choreography is by Jesca Prudencio.
EL OTRO OZ
This bilingual musical and New York Times Critic’s Pick by Mando Alvarado, Tommy Newman, and Jaime Lozano, returns in a reimagined production! Click your heels together tres veces and take a transformative journey with this salsa, merengue, and Mexican folk-infused musical inspired by The Wizard of Oz. As her fifteenth birthday approaches, Dora, a contemporary Latiné teenager, struggles with her family’s ideas about tradition and dreads her impending quinceañera! But, when Dora gets swept away to a strange new land, she learns how to celebrate her unique rhythm and embrace her cultural identity. Recommended for ages 8-12.
EL OTRO OZ features a book by Mando Alvarado and Tommy Newman, music & Lyrics by Jaime Lozano and Tommy Newman, and orchestrations and arrangements by Salomon Lerner and Jaime Lozano. Scenic design is by Frank J. Oliva, costume design is by Christopher Vergara, and puppet design is by Jessica Scott. Original direction is by Elena Araoz, and original choreography is by Andrea Guajardo. Tour direction and choreography is by Michael Anthony Sylvester.
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM
When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system. Recommended for ages 6-10.
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM features music and lyrics by Matthew Lee Robinson, a book by Marshall Pailet, and is based on the book series by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. The original creative team includes direction and choreography by Connor Gallagher, set design by Jason Sherwood, costume design by Sarah Cubbage, and lighting design by David Lander. The Magic School Bus and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered marks of Scholastic Inc. Tour direction and choreography is by Andrew Coopman.
PETE THE CAT
For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus! Recommended for ages 4-8.
PETE THE CAT features a book and lyrics by Sarah Hammond and music by Will Aronson. Based on the Pete the Cat series of books by Kimberly Dean and James Dean. Scenic design is by Rob Odorisio, costume design is by Jen Caprio, and Orchestrations are by Frank Galgano and Matt Castle. Original direction and choreography is by Dan Knechtges. Tour direction is by Karl Michael Eglesias and tour choreography is by Andrew Coopman.
THE POUT-POUT FISH
Turn the poutiest of frowns upside down in this musical featuring whimsical puppets and live performers in a sweeping oceanic adventure. When Mr. Fish sets out on a quest to find Miss Clam’s missing pearl, he discovers there is more to him than his permanently plastered pout. Recommended for ages 4-7.
This colorful adaptation of The New York Times bestseller was co-conceived, originally directed, and designed by the acclaimed puppeteers of AchesonWalsh Studios, whose work was featured in Broadway's The King And I, On the Town, and Radio City's New York Spectacular. Writing team includes New Victory LabWorks Residency recipients Christopher Anselmo, Jared Corak, Matt Acheson, and Fergus Walsh. Music and lyrics are by Christopher Anselmo and Jared Corak. Orchestrations are by Conor Keelan. This production is based on the series of books by Deborah Diesen, author, and Dan Hanna, illustrator. Tour co-direction and choreography is by Laura Brandel, and tour co-direction and puppetry direction is by Andy Manjuck.
TheaterWorksUSA has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. At TWUSA, we believe that access to art—and theater, in particular—is vital for our youth. Since 1967, the 501(c)3 not-for-profit has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 140 original plays and musicals. Acclaimed alumni include Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (Disney’s Frozen), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent), Jerry Zaks (The Music Man), Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen), Miguel Cervantes (Hamilton), Kathleen Chalfant (Angels in America), and Chuck Cooper (Tony award-winning actor, The Life). WWW.TWUSA.ORG
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