Performances will take place at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts in Queens, NY on May 19, the Shea Center for Performing Arts in Wayne, NJ, on May 27, and more.
TheaterWorksUSA has optioned the rights to Scholastic’s animated TV series Clifford the Big Red Dog, based on the beloved book series by Norman Bridwell for a new musical adaptation. A preview tour is scheduled for this May, with school-time performances at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts in Queens, NY on May 19, the Shea Center for Performing Arts in Wayne, NJ, on May 27, and John Cranford Adams Playhouse in Hempstead, NY, on May 28.
Florida Children’s Book Festival Announces 2026 Author Lineup, New Performances, and Partnerships with WUCF and Writer’s Block Bookstore
Families can also look forward to Lilly and the Pirates The Musical, a high spirited theatrical adventure that celebrates curiosity, courage, and the thrill of diving into the unknown. Inspired by the beloved children’s book, and co-commissioned by Orlando Family Stage, the play follows Lilly, a young explorer who refuses to believe that the world is as small or predictable as the grownups around her insist. When a mysterious map and an unexpected voyage send her across the sea, Lilly discovers an unforgettable crew of pirates who challenge her to be brave, trust her instincts, and chart her own course.
During the festival weekend, audiences will have opportunities to meet members of the creative team, explore how books are transformed into theatrical worlds, and participate in activities that invite kids to imagine their own adventures on the high seas. Lilly and the Pirates The Musical runs at Orlando Family Stage from February 20 to March 20.
LILLY AND THE PIRATES: THE MUSICAL Book by John Maclay and Will Eno, Lyrics by John Maclay and Brett Ryback, Music by Brett Ryback. Adapted from LILLY AND THE PIRATES by Phillis Root (C) 2010 All Rights Reserved. Orchestrations and Arrangements by Brett Ryback
Book and Lyrics by John Maclay
Music and Lyrics by Brett Ryback Based on the Arthur books series by Marc Brown
Cast Size: 7 (4M, 3W)
Run Time: 60 minutes
Big things are happening at Lakewood Elementary School! Mr. Ratburn’s class is asked to write and perform a big show for all of Elwood City. Everyone is so excited! Everyone, except for Arthur. What should he do? Arthur feels more nervous as the big performance gets closer and closer. With the help of his family and friends Buster, Brain, Francine, Muffy – and even little sister D.W. – Arthur learns the importance of being his best, unique self. All aboard for an incredibly fun ride with this world premiere musical!
Written by Ernie Nolan Based on the book by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
With optional music by Chris LaPorte
Cast Size: 7 (2M, 5AG) + 1 voice over
Estimated Run Time: 60 Min
Audience Recommendation:All Ages
You know what Dragons really love? Tacos of course! A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to serve to dragons to eat. Dragons love tacos, but if they accidentally eat spicy salsa…watch out!
By Ernie Nolan
Runtime: 50 min
Cast Size: 2
Ages: 0-5
“Twinkle, twinkle little star. How I wonder WHERE you are.”
Star light, star bright, first star we see… wait a minute… little star isn’t in the nighttime sky! Where can it be? It’s up to two stalwart starkeepers to search the galaxy and solve this cosmic cliffhanger in an interactive, immersive theatrical experience especially designed for the youngest of theatre goers.
TWINKLE TWINKLE_Perusal Sample
By Ernie Nolan
Based on the nursery rhyme of the same name
Cast: 3 (with doubling) Ages: 0-5
Commissioned by Emerald City Theatre
When three little kittens find they’re missing their mittens, they go on an adventure to find them before Mother Cat finds out. This interactive play takes little ones on a journey that involves meeting neighbors, such as Mrs. Hoot, Mr. Pokey, and the Mole with the Mail; building unexpected friendships; and like all good adventures, pie. With a little help from their friends, the kittens find their mittens and have them cleaned up just in the nick of time.
THREE LITTLE KITTENS_Perusal Sample
By Russell Davis
Runtime: 60 min.
Cast: 3F, 2M
Ages: 5+
Commissioned/Produced by People’s Light and Theatre Company
There’s a monster in Nicki’s house. He eats her bed, then her room, and her parents too. When the monster finally threatens to eat Nicki’s very thoughts, she decides to confront him. With the help of a sly cat named Pharpar, Nicki joins a gang of traveling performers and discovers a way to turn her fears into amazing feats of imagination. A flying horse, a unicycling bear and world-class juggling make Nicki’s circus show a wildly fun and fantastical event.
THE THOUGHTS AND TRAVELS OF NICKI Perusal Sample
By Ernie Nolan Adapted from the book by Jimmy Kennedy
Runtime: 45 minutes
Cast: 1M, 1F (2F)
Ages: 0-5
Commissioned by Emerald City Theatre
Mam and Buddy Bear invite you and your “youngin” to a very special event, The Teddy Bears’ Picnic. When The Special Surprise turns out to be ruined, Mama and Buddy set off on a plan, with the audience’s assistance, to make all that is wrong right again. Join them in the festivities as they prepare to dine, dance The Teddy Bear, and make new forest friends. This unique theatrical experience places parents and their little ones in an intimate and magical playground where anything goes.
“Parents, if you want to introduce your kids to theater, The Teddy Bears’ Picnic is a fun and creative way to do so. I’m sure your kids will have a memorable time at this charming show, and my guess is you’ll enjoy yourselves too.” – Patrick Dyer, Chicago Theatre Beat
“…sending tots down an imaginative path before they’re even out of diapers.” – Kelly Aiglon, Red Tricycle
By Lynne AlvarezAdapted from the novel by Rudyard Kipling
Runtime: < 60 min.
Cast: 6 actors
Ages: 5+
Commissioned/Produced by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, produced again 2004-05.
This delightful adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel chronicles the adventures of a mongoose taken in by a family of British colonials, and his fight to defend his family from the menacing cobras Nag and Nagaina.
RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI Perusal Sample
By Russell Davis
Runtime: 60 min.
Cast: 3 F, 1 M
Ages: 3+
Commissioned/Produced by Honolulu Theatre for Youth and New Zenith Theatre
An adaptation of THE LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD SHOW for audiences ages 3 and up.
“…a remarkably sophisticated text” – Honolulu Advertiser
