(L-R) Drew Bates, Caitlin Sarwono, Anabel Chacón, Kelly Lomonte, and Morgan Gwilym Tso. Photo by Truman Buffett.
“This is a story all about letters and what goes on when they get together.” So begins “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical,” a whimsical show presented by Third Wish Productions at Bethesda’s Imagination Stage and originally developed and produced by Seattle Children’s Theater. Director and book writer Nina Meehan and composer and lyricist Austin Zumbro adapted the show from the 1989 children’s book, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault.
Those familiar with the beloved picture book may be surprised to find that the show lasts a full hour, expanding on the rhyming coconut tree climb with asides about alliteration, phonics, and the art of storytelling. In the musical, Little Z wonders why they are always last and never get to play with lowercase A, B, or C. As the lowercase letters make their ill-fated journey up the coconut tree, each group of letters sings a song and wonders if everyone will fit. Complete with improvisation, sing-a-longs, and audience dance moves, this production is a high energy, storytelling masterclass.
…a high energy, storytelling masterclass…delightful…
The fast-paced acting and quick costume changes held the audience’s attention, but it was Jeffrey Cook’s incredible set design that brought the show to life. Each of the suitcases in the rainbow collection piled onstage opened to reveal letters, pop-up words, miniature puppet theaters, and even an entire coconut tree. Cook built off of Lois Ehlert’s style from the original book illustrations and immersed the audience in the iconic polka dots, block lettering, and bright colors Ehlert’s readers already know and love. Though a touring show can sometimes have a more limited set, Cook’s creativity was supported by the Imagination Stage production team, transforming the space—and the cast made use of every inch of it.
But the show goes beyond nostalgia. The cast breaks the third wall to introduce young audiences to new concepts in literacy, storytelling, and music. By sounding out words, explaining the intention behind plot development, and sampling diverse music types ranging from madrigals to country, it engages children in experiential learning. As Imagination Stage Chief Artistic Programming Officer Joanne Lamparter puts it, the production “welcome[s] young learners to experience language, literacy, and rhythm through theater.”
“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical” is best for children with some familiarity with letters and spelling. While adults will appreciate some of the more subtle plays on words, even the littlest critics are sure to enjoy this delightful show.
Running Time: One hour with no intermission.
Advisory: Recommended for ages 3-9.
“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical” runs through October 18, 2026 at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 301.280.1660 or go online.
