Children’s Theatre Company’s Premiere of Last Stop on Market Street
WHAT: Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is proud to announce the production of Last Stop on Market Street, running September 15 through October 21, 2018; based on the Newbery Award-winning book by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson; directed by Henry Godinez; adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West; with music and lyrics by Paris Ray Dozier and Lamont Dozier. Lamont, who has penned and produced 14 #1 hits on the Billboard charts (such as “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “How Sweet It Is,” “Reach Out, I’ll Be There,” and “You Can’t Hurry Love”). The cast includes Alejandro Vega as CJ, Greta Oglesby as Nana, Ansa Akyea as Mr. Dennis, and Dwight Leslie, Autumn Ness, Calvin Zimmerman and Kennedy Lucasplaying a variety of roles. See full bios below.
ABOUT: Six-year-old CJ is (reluctantly) staying with his (extremely over-the-top) Nana, in a world considerably different from the one he’s used to (his phone and tablet). The disagreeable (and, let’s just admit it, whiny) child is dragged on a bus ride that’s loud and gritty and weird. Guided by his veritable force-of-nature Nana, CJ travels a little closer to his roots and sees that things are not always what they seem. This is one wild and crazy, hip-hop, eclectic, heart-thumpin’, toe-tappin’ joy ride. This production is proudly sponsored by Target.
“Adapting the delightful Last Stop on Market Street has been a pure joy,” enthused Playwright Cheryl L. West. “Of course we had to expand the story for stage, but the aim was to always stay true to the joyous magic and beauty of CJ and his Nana’s journey. I’m hoping the audience will ‘get on the bus’ with us and ride along as we experience Nana’s nuggets of wisdom and CJ’s evolution from a rather sheltered boy to one who discovers another world, while simultaneously learning different doesn’t always mean bad. Plus, we get to enjoy wonderful foot stomping, body-wiggling music along the way.”
“Last Stop on Market Street is inspired by the beautiful book and story by Matt de la Peña,” states Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius. “What drew us to this book was the powerful way that the story shows a young child leaving their comfort zone. In this case, CJ leaves a comfortable, middle-class situation and goes to visit his grandmother who lives in a poorer part of a large city. He is a stranger to this world, a world of density and noise and goes on a big adventure on public transportation (which is not part of his life) to a homeless shelter, where Nana brings kindness and joy each week. I love that this musical asks the audience to go on a ride like CJ does — to go to a neighborhood they may not normally go to, to meet people they may not see or might initially be uncomfortable with — the butterfly lady who talks to herself, the guy who is covered in tattoos. And to be with his grandmother, who inspires with the respect she shows to all. All of this is done to the music of Lamont and Paris Dozier, which is a mix of hip-hop, rap, soul, and gospel that is so fun, smart, and alive you will leave singing the songs. The combination of [playwright] Cheryl L. West and Paris and Lamont, creates not just a story of heart and conscience, but also an extraordinary musical.”
THEMES: Urban environment/discovery; public transportation; homelessness; economic differences; multi-generational; how to make a difference in the world.
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theatre for young people and serves a multigenerational audience. It creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire for nearly 275,000 people annually. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the coveted Tony Award® for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is the only theatre in Minnesota to receive three Tony® nominations (for its production of A Year with Frog and Toad). CTC is committed to creating world-class productions at the highest level and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences.
CTC’s engagement and learning programs annually serve more than 85,000 young people and their communities through Theatre Arts Training, student matinees, Neighborhood Bridges, and early childhood arts education programs. ACT One is CTC’s comprehensive platform for access, diversity, and inclusion in our audiences, programs, staff, and board that strives to ensure the theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community. childrenstheatre.org
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Last Stop on Market Street
Based on the Newbery Award-winning book by Matt de la Peña
Illustrated by Christian Robinson
Adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West
Music and lyrics by Paris Ray Dozier and Lamont Dozier
Co-commissioned with the Chicago Children’s Theatre
For curious 5-year-olds and up
UnitedHealth Group Stage
Creative Team & Production Staff
Director: Henry Godinez
Choreographer: Ashley Selmer
Music Director: Sanford Moore
Scenic Designer: Courtney O'Neill
Costume Designer: Trevor Bowen
Lighting Designer: Marcus Doshi
Sound Designer: Sten Severson
Cast
Ansa Akyea Mr. Dennis
Dwight LeslieTatted Man/Blind Man/Mr. Chow
Autumn NessMadam Butterfly/Grandma Posey
Alejandro VegaCJ
Calvin ZimmermanDancing Teen/JoJo
Kennedy LucasDancing Teen/Ensemble
Symphonie WhittedUnderstudy
Runtime: TBD
Tickets:
The Ticket Office is accessible by phone two hours prior to most performances. These posted hours are subject to change.
Email:
tickets@childrenstheatre.org (inquiries only, no ticket processing)
Phone: 612.874.0400
Website:
https://childrenstheatre.org
Subscription packages are available.
Please see website for complete details: https://childrenstheatre.org/tickets/subscribe
Lap passes available for children newborn to three years for $5
ASL/AD Performance: Friday, October 12 at 7 pm
Sensory Friendly Performance: Thursday, October 18 at 7 pm
Group tickets up to 10% off regular tickets for groups of six to nine.
Group tickets up to 25% off regular tickets for groups of ten or more.
Performance Dates
Saturday, September 15, 2 pm (Preview)
Sunday, September 16, 2 pm (Preview)
Tuesday, September 18, 7 pm (Preview)
Wednesday, September 19, 7 pm (Preview)
Thursday, September 20, 7 pm (Preview)
Friday, September 21, 7 pm (Opening Night)
Saturday, September 22, 2 pm and 5pm
Sunday, September 23, 2 pm and 5 pm
Thursday, September 27, 7 pm
Friday, September 28, 7 pm
Saturday, September 29, 11 am and 2 pm
Sunday, September 30, 2 pm and 5 pm
Thursday, October 4, 7 pm
Friday, October 5, 7 pm
Saturday, October 6, 11 am and 2 pm
Sunday, October 7, 2 pm and 5 pm
Thursday, October 11, 7 pm
Friday, October 12, 7 pm
Saturday, October 13, 11 am and 2 pm
Sunday, October 14, 2 pm and 5 pm
Thursday, October 18, 2 pm and 7 pm
Friday, October 19, 7 pm
Saturday, October 20, 11 am and 2 pm
Sunday, October 21, 2 pm and 5 pm
Plot Synopsis
Caution: This is a complete synopsis of the play, so it is full of spoilers. This script is still in development. Content is subject to change until script is solidified.
Seven-year-old CJ is feeling sad because Mom and Dad are away for the weekend and he has to stay with Nana in Chicago. He is counting down the hours until his parents return. Everything about being at Nana’s house is miserable. The food is different, the music is different, there is no air conditioning, and worst of all, Nana takes away all of his electronics. When CJ tries to sleep, he keeps getting rattled awake by the L-train and the noise of the city. Luckily, Nana has a nightlight that projects animals around the room. During nighttime prayers, CJ expresses his concern about riding the city bus and confesses that he likes the nightlight even though he doesn’t like anything else.
The next morning, CJ wakes up to Nana’s singing in the kitchen and he is still in a bad mood. He refuses to respond when Nana is talking to him and begs to go back home. He even has a Ziploc bag full of money hidden in his stuffed animal to get himself there. Nana explains that they are not going home but are going out on a surprise adventure. She packs some snacks for the trip while CJ whines some more. When Nana turns her back, CJ looks for his electronics. He finds his stuff and hides them in his backpack before he is discovered. Nana encourages him to bring his stuffed animal on the trip and grabs his backpack to try to fit it inside. Before she is able to unzip the backpack and see the electronics, CJ stuffs the stuffed animal inside, the backpack now straining at the seams.
They head out to the bus stop and it is raining. CJ doesn’t understand why Nana doesn’t have a car. The bus arrives and CJ is scared. Mr. Dennis, the bus driver, welcomes them both onto the bus and shows CJ how to pay for the fare. There are lots of interesting people on the bus, including a tattooed man and a woman dressed as a butterfly. Nana encourages CJ to say hello to everyone but CJ protests saying that he is not supposed to talk to strangers. Nana tells CJ not to put his backpack on the floor. The tattooed man sings a song about how his body is a walking masterpiece and encourages CJ to not judge a book by the cover. CJ meets Madam Butterfly. She gives him a jar of butterflies and asks him to release them when he gets where he’s going. A blind man steps onto the bus carrying a guitar. He introduces himself to CJ and explains that he sees life through his ears. He encourages CJ to close his eyes and hear the world. They pass the international district and see a dragon statue. CJ begs to stop and see it but Nana promises they will do it a different time. Two teenage girls get on the bus listening to music. CJ wishes once again that he had his electronics. They begin to create an elaborate musical number throughout the bus using found objects as instruments. CJ is tentative about joining the dance but is encouraged by the teens.
Finally, they arrive at the last stop on Market Street and they all get off the bus. CJ admits that he had a good time on the bus and is excited about the surprise; however, he becomes intimidated when he realizes he is surrounded by graffiti, broken glass, and windows with bars. CJ expresses that he thinks this is a “bad neighborhood.” Nana explains that it is not bad, just different, and encourages him to look for the beauty.
Just then, CJ realizes that he left his backpack on the bus and becomes angry. He yells about how he hates this place and all the stinky people. Nana’s friend, Posey, and her grandson, Jojo, hear what CJ said. It is clear Posey & Jojo are homeless. Nana apologizes for her grandson’s rudeness and we learn that Jojo loves math. Posey & Nana head into the building while CJ and Jojo stay outside. Jojo asks if CJ wants to ride in his shopping cart. CJ is nervous but agrees; however, Jojo flips CJ into a trash can as revenge for calling him stinky. They begin to tussle when Mr. Dennis, the bus driver, returns with CJ’s backpack. CJ apologizes to Jojo for saying mean things and offers to show him his electronics. While CJ is getting everything out of his backpack, Jojo explains that he used to have a stuffed animal just like CJ’s. Nana comes out and catches CJ with his electronics and she expresses her disappointment in him for sneaking them along on the trip without her permission. CJ worries that Nana will stop talking to him. They all get on their aprons, hair nets and gloves to serve dinner at the soup kitchen. CJ has fun entertaining the guests while serving them. After dinner is served, CJ asks why no one is heading home. Nana explains that many of these people do not have homes to go to. Many of them sleep in a park or homeless shelter. Everything Jojo & Posey own is in their grocery cart. Nana explains that she is proud of CJ for serving everyone and making them smile. As they go to leave, CJ gives Jojo his stuffed animal and they release the butterflies together. Nana & CJ head back to Nana’s house.
Cast Bios
Alejandro Vega | CJ
Alejandro played roles in Peter Pan the Musical; The Wizard of Oz; and The Abominables at Children’s Theatre Company. He has performed with the Minnesota Opera and the Minnesota Orchestra. Alejandro has also appeared in productions at Theater Latte Da and 7th House Theater/Guthrie Theater.
Greta Oglesby | Nana
Greta has enjoyed roles in The Wiz, Akeelah and the Bee, Five Fingers of Funk, and The Beggar’s Strike at Children’s Theatre Company. Other theatre credits: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Guthrie Theater, and Penumbra Theater, to name a few. Greta recently published a book entitled Handprints on my Life (Kirkhouse).
Ansa Akyea | Mr. Dennis
Ansa Akyea (AEA, SAGAFTRA) is a professional actor, and teaching artist, who works throughout the country. Ansa was last seen in Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax (storyteller, mayor, inspector). His stage work, and numerous tv/film credits include the television series In an Instant (ABC); the films The House of Tomorrow, Memorial Day, kid west, and others. His stage credits include A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater), Jackie & Me (Children’s Theatre Company), How to Use a Knife (Mixed Blood Theatre), Othello (Ten Thousand Things), The Jackie Wilson Story (Black Ensemble Theater), and many others. He is a recipient of the McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship and the Many Voices Mentorship from Playwrights’ Center, as well as City Pages Best Actor Award. Mr. Akyea is a proud M.F.A. graduate of The University of Iowa’s Acting program (2000).
Autumn Ness | Madam Butterfly/Grandma Posey
Autumn Ness is thrilled to be opening her 19th season as a member of the Acting Company at CTC! Some favorite shows include Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, Cinderella, A Year With Frog and Toad, Shrek, The Jungle Book, and The Biggest Little House in the Forest. Autumn is the recipient of the 2018 Fox Foundation Fellowship to develop programming at CTC for children on the Autism Spectrum.
Dwight Leslie | Tatted Man/Blind Man/Mr. Chow
Dwight Leslie is very excited to return back to CTC and continue making magic. Dwight has been a Performing Apprentice with Children’s Theatre Company: The Wiz, Corduroy, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Ordway: Mamma Mia!. Enlightened Theatrics: Hair. New Theatre in the Square: Next to Normal. Matt Davenport Productions: World of Wonder. McLeod Summer Playhouse: Joseph and … Dreamcoat, Rock of Ages. Gainesville Theatre Alliance: Godspell, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Once on This Island.
Calvin Zimmerman | Dancing Teen/JoJo
Calvin has enjoyed performing in Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (Stages Theatre Company), Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Children’s Theatre Company), and A Raisin In The Sun (Park Square Theatre).
Kennedy Lucas | Dancing Teen/Ensemble
Kennedy has enjoyed roles in A Christmas Carol: The Musical (Stagedoor Manor); The Nightingale; Beauty & The Beast; and Magic Treehouse: Night In New Orleans (Stages Theatre Company). She has also performed in Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches The Musical (Children’s Theatre Company); Hairspray (Artistry Theater); and Wizard of Oz; Aladdin; and My Son Pinocchio (Lundstrum Performing Arts).
Symphonie Whitted | External Understudy
Symphonie has enjoyed roles in Fidgety Fairy Tales (Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health); Hairspray Jr. (Youth Performance Company); Shrek Jr,; Annie Jr.; How the Grinch Stole Christmas; and James and the Giant Peach Jr. at Children’s Theatre Company. In her free time, Symphonie enjoys traveling, playing the piano, computer coding, singing, and composing music.
