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.
Esperanza Rising – The award-winning book by Pam Nuñoz Ryan comes to life on our stage.
Smart and stubborn teenager Esperanza Ortega lives the life of a rich girl in 1920s Mexico wearing pretty clothes and attending private school. The day before her birthday tragedy strikes, setting a chain of events into motion that forever change her life. She and her family flee Mexico for the United States only to face new struggles as they start again during the Great Depression. This powerful story illuminates loss and shines a light on hard work and hope.
Show Dates and Times: Sat, Feb 28: 11 AM & 3 PM Sun, Mar 1: 2 & 4 PM Sat, Mar 7: 11 AM & 3 PM Sun, Mar 8: 2 & 4 PM Sat, Mar 14: 11 AM & 3 PM Sun, Mar 15: 2 & 4 PM ASL-Interpreted Show: Sat, Mar 14 at 3 PM Sensory-Friendly Performance: Sun, Mar 15 at 4 PM
The Negro Southern League Museum is excited to partner with the Birmingham Children’s Theater. Catching the Moon tells the powerful, true story of the Black girl who defied expectations and became Toni Stone—the first woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team. Full of rhythm, grit, and heart, this inspiring tale celebrates the courage to dream big and the strength to break barriers.
Shows will include talkback sessions with former Negro League player Joseph Marbury of the Indianapolis Clowns and Alabama Blues Hall of Famer Hurricane Elaine Hudson.
Book and Lyrics by Nichole Jackson Music and Lyrics by Tyrone L. Robinson Adapted from the book by Crystal Hubbard
Performance Dates: Saturday, February 21st @ 11:00am Friday, February 27th @ 7:00pm Saturday, February 28th @ 11:00am
In the MainStage Theatre
Recommended for ages 6 and older Approximate Time: 75 minutes
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
Booky by Melody Cooper
Musica and Lyrics by Tyrone L. Robinson
Based on the beloved children’s book Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by Hudson Talbott
Cast Size: 7 (5W, 2M) Run Time: 60 min
SHOW WAY, is about an 11-year old girl named Toshi Georgiana who has an important school project due in which she is to present a family heirloom and explain its history and importance. Problem is Toshi loses the beloved family heirloom just days before the project is due. As she searches for it, she is led by generations of women who came before her, from slaves who secretly sewed quilts to SHOW the WAY to freedom to civil rights marchers. Along the way, when Toshi loses hope of ever finding the heirloom, her friends offer to let her borrow their family heirlooms for the project. The play has a multi-cultural cast of seven actors and teaches the lesson that we all have the strength of our ancestors and friends to draw upon to get us through difficult times.
The Growing Stage: The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is presenting Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream weekends from February 14-23, 2025. It tells the spirited story of the Black girl who grew up to become “Toni Stone,” the first woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team.
Adapted from the book by Crystal Hubbard, Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream has Book and Lyrics by Nichole Jackson and Music and Lyrics by Tyrone L. Robinson. The production is directed by Stephen L. Fredericks, TGS Founder/Executive Director with musical direction by Melinda Bass O’Neill and choreography by Cari Sanchez.
Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream is a musical based on the children’s book of the same title written by Crystal Hubbard. It tells the story of Marcenia Lyle, a young, Black girl growing up in the 1930s who went on to become Toni Stone, the first female to play as a regular for an all-male professional baseball team.
The Growing Stage in Netcong is only the second theater company to perform this inspirational show, so Jersey Arts spoke with actor Nyah Anderson, who plays Marcenia Lyle, and Steve Fredericks, Growing Stage Founder/Executive Director and the show’s director, to hear more about their production.
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!
Adapted by Scott Zenreich
Music by Patrick Emile From the book by Eric Kimmel
Run Time: 60 min
Cast Size: 2M + Ensemble
Ages 8+
In a small Russian village the presence of wicked goblins keeps the town from celebrating Hanukkah, until one man, Hershel of Ostropol, takes it upon himself to evict the mischievous residents from the haunted synagogue at the top of the hill. An original adaptation of the Caldecott honored book, HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS is a premiere holiday production with an original klezmer score, feats of puppetry, and stunning visual effects.
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!
Book & Lyrics by Tim J. Lord Music & Lyrics by Avi Amon Based on the short play by Tim J. Lord
Cast Size: Six (2W, 1M, 3AG)
Most enjoyed by ages 9+
Be brave and create a world that is better for everyone. One week ago, a massive flood wiped away most of Arcady, leaving behind only 14 year-old Artemis Sims and the town’s library. As she tries to find a way back to her Aunt Maggie’s house, she soon learns of a new danger-a committee determined to claim the town for themselves.
