A Dickens Tale
(Best for Grades 2nd - Adult)
Holiday, Literature and Literacy
Old Ebeneezer Scrooge has only one passion in life – money! Even at Christmas time, he’s more interested in making sure his business affairs are in order than in making sure his friends and family are cared for, but he’s about to learn an important lesson! Perfect for young and old alike, A Dickens Tale brings Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” to life in front of your very eyes. Join old Scrooge, bumbling Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, old Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future while discovering the true meaning of the season.
A Tell-Tale Tale: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
(Best for Grades 3rd - Adult)
No one tells a story quite like the Great Edgar Allan Poe! In A Tell-Tale Tale these spooky and clever stories and poems come to life before your very eyes. With a mastery of language that few can match, Edgar Allan Poe’s stories and poems are as impactful today as they were in the 19th century when they were written. This show blends rich language with expert storytelling to produce a rich language arts experience for middle grades. Stories include “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Raven,” “The Bells” and more!
Aesop’s Fables
(Best for Grades Pre-K - 5th)
These fables from the legendary Greek storyteller, Aesop, have been delighting young and old alike for thousands of years, and they still have a message for us today. Perfect for younger audiences, these classic tales entertain but also share a strong message about treating others fairly and knowing right from wrong. Stories like “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” “The Tortoise and The Hare,” and “The Lion and The Mouse” leave audiences with a message that is both timely, and timeless!
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
(Best for Grades Pre-K - Adult)
The Lewis Carroll literary classic is magically brought to life in this 45 minute adventure. Join Alice on her journey into the rabbit hole, packed with some eccentric and fantastical characters who take your audience on an imaginative ride. Since 1865 this literary classic has been a favorite among young readers and we can’t wait to bring it to life. Join the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and Alice on this adventure in Wonderland.
American Songbook
(Best for Grades Pre-K - 5th)
Celebrate American history through a timeline of music. Join our professional performers as they carry your audience on a melodic journey through chapters of American History. From tribal songs of the early Native Americans, to influential anthems of the civil rights movement, this show leaves few songs unsung. Audience interaction abounds with sing-alongs in this original Bright Star musical concert.
American Tales & Tunes
(Best for Grades Pre-K - 5th)
Folk songs and tall tales from across America come to life in this music-filled adventure. We’ve delved deep into American literature from the Jack Tales of the Appalachian region to the fishing docks of New England and have created a vibrant and energetic show that seamlessly blends these fantastic regional stories with classic American folk songs like “Shenandoah” and “Shady Grove.”
Beauty and The Beast
(Best for Grades Pre-K - Adult)
First published by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, this is the classic tale of Belle, a young woman whose complicated life leads her to leave her home village to live with a Beast in his mountain castle. Join Lenny and Mabel, the “greatest actors in the world” as they bring this classic work of literature to life. This heartwarming tale shows that beauty is what lies within. See why this fairy tale has been enchanting audiences since 1740.
Bluegrass and Tall Tales
(Best for Grades Pre-K - Adult)
This is a toe-tapping great time. Join our musician actors as they take your audience on a journey across America. Playing both Bluegrass classics and then jumping up to bring to life celebrated American Tall Tales. From Paul Bunyan to a classic Appalachian Jack Tale, this show is brimming with lessons and wild characters. Meanwhile songs like ‘In the Pines’ celebrate this special music and tales from our country. (PK-Adult)
Building Stories
(Best for Grades 1st - 6th)
Plot, summary, characters and settings can be confusing things to learn about. Join our actor-educators as they take your audience on an adventure through what makes up a story. In one portion of the show your audience contributes to the play to create an original story, while learning all the different parts of what goes into making one. This show is designed to get young people excited about reading and writing while encouraging them to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of stories.
Cherokee Tales
(Best for Grades Kindergarten - 6th)
History and Social Studies, Literature and Literacy
The Cherokee People have a rich history of myths, legends and folktales explaining everything from the creation of the world to how the plants and animals around us came to look and behave the way they do today. This play introduces young audiences to the Cherokee People through a series of fun and engaging stories. Developed in partnership with the Cherokee Historical Association, this play is a great way to introduce young audiences to the Cherokee people. Commemorate National Native American Heritage month by bringing Cherokee Tales to your young audiences.
Chicken Little: The Sky is Falling
(Best for Grades 2nd - 5th)
This show features the classic story of Henny Penny and Chicken Little with a fun modern twist. When Chicken Little gets bonked on the head by an unknown object, confusion reigns in the barnyard until a little critical thinking helps the animals figure out the problem.
Greece Lightning
(Best for Grades Kindergarten - 6th)
History and Social Studies, Literature and Literacy
The Greeks were quite an amazing culture indeed! In this fast-paced romp, you will meet some of the most amazing characters from Greek history and learn about some of the incredible myths and legends that make the Greeks so interesting. Along the way you will meet Zeus and his Olympian friends from Greek mythology, cross the waves with Poseidon and follow along the epic adventures of Hercules, and discover even more about the culture and customs of ancient Greeks! It’s been 3000 years since the ancient Greeks have been as popular as they are today. Find out why with Greece Lightning!
Happily Ever After
(Best for Grades Pre-K - 5th)
Get ready to laugh out loud at our hilarious renditions of some of the best from the Grimm Brothers’ iconic works. In this (not-so-grim) adventure, our engaging performers transform into Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Rumpelstiltskin and The Elves and the Shoemaker. Sure to please any audience, Happily Ever After will make your fairy tale dreams of a perfect show come true!
Old MacDonald’s Sing-Along Farm
(Best for Grades Pre-K - Adult)
Everybody on the farm has a favorite song. Join Old Farmer MacDonald, his wife Mrs. MacDonald, Daisy the Cow, Simon the Pig and all your favorite friends from the farm for a fun and energetic singalong that brings everyone together. From tunes like “Camptown Races” to classic nursery rhymes like “Hey Diddle Diddle,” this fun interactive show has a strong character message of sharing and caring for others and is a great option for our youngest audiences.
Once Upon A Time: Cinderella & Jack and the Beanstalk
(Best for Grades Pre-K - Adult)
Join Lenny and Mabel, “The Greatest Actors in the World,” as they bring two classic tales to the stage. Dance at the ball with Cinderella and challenge the giant with Jack and the Beanstalk as these stories come to life in front of your very eyes! Fun and interactive, this show is great for younger audiences or anyone who is young at heart.
Peter Pan
(Best for Grades Pre-K - 5th)
Join our acclaimed comic duo Lenny and Mabel as they hilariously work to bring this literary classic to life in a hysterical play within a play. Your young audience will love the antics of Tinkerbell, the bumbling Captain Hook, Darling Wendy (or should we say Wendy Darling) and of course the free-spirited adventurous boy who just wouldn’t grow up. (Grades PK-5)
Real-Life Legends of Cherokee History
(Best for Grades 4th - Adult)
Cherokee history reaches back to time immemorial, yet continues to this day – a story of inspiration, difficulty and courage. This play explores the story of the Cherokee people from prehistory to the present, sharing the stories of legendary real-life figures like Tsali, Sequoyah, Nanyehi, and Wilma Mankiller, as well as major events in the history of the Cherokee such as the Indian Removal Act, “Trail of Tears” and the modern Civil Rights movement. Developed in partnership with the Cherokee Historical Association, this play is a great way to introduce young people to Cherokee history and commemorate National Native American Heritage month.
Rhyme Time! Adventures in Poetry
(Best for Grades 3rd - 8th)
Join our duo of traveling actors, Lenny and Mabel – “The Greatest Actors in the World” – as they share their favorite poetry selections. From the mysterious origins of nursery rhymes to the homespun wisdom of folk poetry; from the lofty language of Shakespeare to the spoken word of modern times, this show is a perfect selection for National Poetry Month! Lenny and Mabel will capture the audience’s imagination while celebrating the magic of words!
Stone Soup & Other Heartwarming Tales
(Best for Grades Pre-K - Adult)
Holiday, Literature and Literacy
The holiday season is about more than simply celebrating traditions and culture with friends and family. It is also about the spirit of giving and learning to share with others no matter our circumstances. Three classic short stories – “Stone Soup,” “The Gift of the Magi,” and “The Drum” – help young audiences learn about what it means to give a gift with an open heart.
Storybook Tales: Pinocchio & Robin Hood
(Best for Grades Pre-K - Adult)
Whether it’s dashing through the streets of Gepetto’s Italian village, or hiking through the Sherwood Forest in Nottingham England, comic duo Lenny and Mabel, “The Greatest Actors In The World” are sure to delight in this fun collection of stories. Join Lenny and Mabel as they bring their traveling show featuring Gepetto and his little wooden boy Pinocchio. Learn lessons of responsibility and parental love as Pinocchio struggles to become real. Then travel to England with Maid Marian and the Sheriff of Nottingham as they encounter great capers with the outlaw, Robin Hood! These tales are sure to delight any young audience, or anyone who is young at heart.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
(Best for Grades 4th - Adult)
One of the first true classics of American literature, this is an authentic retelling of Washington Irving’s story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman! When Ichabod Crane takes a new job as schoolmaster of Sleepy Hollow, he was expecting to have a simple life, but things get complicated very quickly! This tale is just spooky enough to delight any audience as the days get shorter, the air gets colder, and the nights turn long and dark. A perfect introduction to this literary classic.
The Secret Garden
(Best for Grades Pre-K - 5th)
This classic tale of growth and wonder has never been so entertaining. Bright Star’s rendition of The Secret Garden is retold by our lovable comic duo Lenny and Mabel. Together, they bring to life the charming characters and lively scenes that make Frances Hodgson Burnett’s story so wonderful. This play is full of lessons about perseverance, believing in yourself and helping those around you. Along with these important lessons, humor and playful moments breathe life into this magical story about transforming the world around us.
The Story of Anne Frank
(Best for Grades 3rd - Adult)
History and Social Studies, Literature and Literacy
World War II was a desperate and intense time for everyone, but it was especially devastating to the Jewish people living under Nazi rule. Through direct accounts from Anne Frank’s diary and the heartfelt retelling of her story by her father, Otto, this production offers an engaging and accessible approach to one of history’s darkest chapters. The courage of Anne Frank and her family is the story of the strength of the human spirit in the most challenging times.
The Velveteen Rabbit
(Best for Grades Pre-K - 5th)
Bully Prevention and Character Education, Literature and Literacy
A special gift for a young boy opens up a heartwarming tale of childhood and imagination. Through thick and thin, this story shows us how much care it takes to hold on to special friends, and how important it is to sometimes let those things go. With endearing costumes and unforgettable characters, the Velveteen Rabbit is sure to appeal to your young audience. Based on the classic tale by Margery Williams Bianco, this show examines what it means to love and what it means to be real.
The Wizard of Oz
(Best for Grades Pre-K - Adult)
In 1900, L. Frank Baum published what would become a literary classic with his children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In 2018, Bright Star adapted the show into a two person play and the result was amazing! It was the hit of 2018 so we’ve brought it back for another year! While the medium might be different, the characters and classic storyline remain the same. Follow comic duo Lenny and Mabel down the yellow brick road to the land of Oz and meet all of your favorite characters along the way! Gain courage with the Cowardly Lion, take heart with the Tin Man, and find your wits with the Scarecrow in this fun interactive retelling of the L. Frank Baum classic.
Upcoming Tours
Spring 2 | 2025 • Summer 1 - "Color Our World" | 2025 • Summer 5 "Color Our World" | 2025 •Upcycled Cinderella
(Best for Grades Pre-K - Adult)
When the scheduled performers fail to arrive for the day’s performance, the facility janitors, “Dustmop” and “Binny,” decide to take over in this hilarious take on the classic fairy tale, Cinderella! One of our most popular shows of all time, Upcycled Cinderella shows that, with a little creativity and ingenuity, you can make the most of any situation. A great show for younger audiences, or for anyone who is young at heart.
Winnie-the-Pooh
(Best for Grades Pre-K - 5th)
The beloved literary classic comes to life in this sweet and charming production. Join Pooh and all of your favorite characters from Hundred Acre Wood as they find themselves in the playful predicaments first imagined by writer A.A. Milne in 1926. Christopher Robin, Owl, Eeyore and more bring this classic work to life. (PK-5)
Winter Fables (K-6)
(Best for Grades Kindergarten - 6th)
Holiday, Literature and Literacy
These ancient stories have so much to teach even the most modern of audiences. Winter Fables is an imaginative show that features some of winter’s most well-known tales and lessons. Join the Ant as he prepares for winter, the Grasshopper who doesn’t, the Country Mouse and City Mouse have an adventure, a fox learns the meaning of “sour grapes,” the Dog looks for his Bone, and the Old Man stashes his valuable Gold.
Write On! A Literacy Adventure
(Best for Grades 1st - 6th)
Jack loves stories, but there’s one problem – he just can’t write any! Luckily, with the help of his teacher, Mrs. Billingsworth, and a few surprise ghosts, Jack finds out how to tap into his imagination to create incredible stories. Formerly known as “Building Stories” this show was a hit with libraries and schools across the country in 2017. Kick your school’s literacy program into high gear with this high energy, fun and hilarious show!