Show Archives
Founded in 1979, Imagination Stage has a long history of both student and professional productions. Here you can find snapshots of our favorite shows. For the professional theatre, Imagination Stage commissions two shows per year and controls the rights to many of these works. If you are interested in securing rights for your own production, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Shows available through Imagination Stage are indicated with an *. Enjoy!
LYLE THE CROCODILE
The most fun you'll have inside this summer
Based on the books by Bernard Waber
Adapted by Kevin Kling
Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer
June 23 - August 9, 2009
What a croc! Loveable Lyle is a "resting" mime-artist and magician who's meant to liven up a lazy summer's day. When the Primm family moves into their New York City apartment, their son Joshua is surprised to find a crocodile in the tub. The multi-talented Lyle quickly becomes part of the family, but a nasty neighbor, Mr. Grumps, has it out for the reptile, and it is only a matter of time before he accuses Lyle of frightening his cat. Lyle is shipped off to the zoo, but his old showbiz partner, Hector P. Valenti, springs him just in time to save the day when Mr. Grumps' brownstone catches fire. Enjoyed by Ages 4+
BUSYTOWN
Washington premiere of a musical based on a favorite picturebook
Based on the books of Richard Scarry
Adapted by Kevin Kling
Music by Michael Koerner
Lyrics by Kevin Kling and Michael Koerner
September 27 - November 2, 2008
"Big day today!" is how the characters greet each other in Busytown, Richard Scarry's vividly drawn world. As the day unfolds, Grocer Cat, Stitches the Tailor, and Alfalfa the Farmer tell of their jobs in silly songs and scenes. One catchy number explores vehicles from the Broom O'Cycle to the Pickle Car, another, sung by Able Charlie Baker, describes goodies from donuts to biscotti, and there's even a sea shanty from Captain Salty. Young children love to see their favorite animal characters brought to life while older siblings enjoy this tuneful trip down memory lane! Enjoyed by all ages!
PLAYING FROM THE HEART
A triumphant drama in the intimate Reeve Theatre
By Charles Way
Directed by Janet Stanford
November 2 - 30, 2008
Playing from the Heart is inspired by the life of internationally acclaimed percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Evelyn begins having earaches at age 8, but even as her hearing worsens, her love of playing drums grows. Although she is eventually pronounced "profoundly deaf," she excels in the school orchestra and, with unshakeable determination, applies and is accepted by the Royal Academy of Music. The story is a tribute to all kids, whatever their circumstances, who find the inner strength to overcome all obstacles and pursue their passions. Enjoyed by Ages 6+. Sign interpreted performance Sunday, November 23 and Sunday, November 30 at 4:00 PM. All performances of Playing from the Heart will be Open Captioned. In addition, the two performances noted above will be sign interpreted.
MISS NELSON IS MISSING!
The national hit musical, a perfect treat for the holidays
Based on the book by Harry Allard
Illustrated by James Marshall
Book, music & lyrics by Joan Cushing
Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer
November 22, 2008 - January 4, 2009
Miss Nelson is Missing . . . is back! In 2001, Imagination Stage commissioned and premiered this musical comedy gem, which has been a hit at theatres from coast to coast. Now it is time for a new generation of children (and their parents) to experience this witty, wacky musical. Meet the fifth graders in Room 207 at horace ?B. Smedley Elementary, whose poor behavior drives away their sweet teacher, Miss Nelson. her substitute is the dreaded Viola Swamp. So the kids engage the bumbling Detective McSmogg to search for Miss Nelson and try to make amends. Enjoyed by Ages 4+
ZOMO THE RABBIT:
A Hip Hop Creation Myth
Written and Directed by Psalmayene 24
January 24 - March 8, 2009
This world premiere, set right here in our Nation's Capital, is a contemporary, high-energy take on an African tale. Zomo the Rabbit calls the Sky God (on his cell phone, of course) and raps that he wants the ultimate prize of wisdom. Sky God gives him three tasks: 1) get the dance shoes of Big Fish at the DC Waterfront; 2) get the spray paint can from Wild Cow at the National Zoo; 3) get the turntable from DJ the Leopard in Adams Morgan. Zomo succeeds in trickster fashion, but it's only by sharing the prizes he's won that he invents hip-hop, leading all the characters to celebrate their African American culture together. Enjoyed by Ages 4+
HEIDI
afresh, tuneful look at a classic story
Based on the novel by Johanna Spyri
Book by Martha King De Silva
Music & Lyrics by Joan Cushing
Directed by Janet Stanford
April 4 - May 17, 2009
In this world premiere musical retelling of the classic Victorian-era book, Heidi moves from a small Swiss village to the Alps, to Frankfurt, Germany, and back to her beloved mountains (complete with singing goats!). Everywhere she goes, Heidi brings joy to the people around her: her lonely grandfather and neighbor Peter in the Alps, as well as her sickly friend, Clara, in the city. This richly emotional show is a welcome breath of mountain air that celebrates how the power of love can restore hope for the future and a better life. Composer/lyricist Joan Cushing has premiered four other shows at Imagination Stage and writer Martha King De Silva returns for her second. Enjoyed by Ages 5+
