What we've done
MTC productions
We’re celebrating 10 years of sharing our passion for theater with you, and hope you’ll join us as we continue to challenge ourselves to raise the creative bar and inspire you with our next season’s productions. Take a look at the work we’ve staged over the years – it’s a great source of pride for the team at MTC.
TURNING 15 ON THE RTOAD TO FREEDOM
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom tells the inspiring, true story of Lynda Blackmon, who celebrated her 15th birthday on the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965. Jailed nine times before the march and badly beaten on Bloody Sunday, Lynda and her neighbors fought alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. to secure the right to vote for African Americans. She believed “A voteless people is a hopeless people,” and put her life on the line, non-violently, to prove that anyone can change history, no matter how young or powerless they seem. This virtual play features an ensemble of African American performers who bring the ‘60s to life on the stage through the soul-stirring music of the Civil Rights Movement.
THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers. With the freshest hip-hop choreography, a live DJ, and an electric violinist, this crowd-pleasing, and uplifting saga turns the original Tchaikovsky score on its head in the coolest possible way. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story into a romance set in 1980s New York City. Rap legend Kurtis Blow is a special guest MC for this new holiday traditional celebrating love, community, and the magic of New Year’s Eve.
DIARY OF A WOMBAT
Meet Mothball, the naughtiest wombat in Australia. Bored with her daily routine, Mothball goes in search of shelter and food, creating chaos in the lives of the humans around her. This delightful non-verbal adaptation features puppetry, movement, and live cello music- from a team of revered artists including Puppetry and Movement Director, Alice Osborne (War Horse), Designer Imogen Ross and accomplished composer/cellist, Oonagh Sherrard
IT’S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT: STORIES BY TODD PARR
Three contemporary stories by New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Todd Parr will be adapted for the stage by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, this play delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and self-confidence.
DAN + CLAUDIA ZANES: THE HOLIDAY SING ALONG
Dan and Claudia will be joined on stage by friends as they celebrate a variety of traditions and songs from here and there, near and far — Christmas and Hanukah classics in English, Hebrew, and Spanish as well as holiday songs from Korea, Tunisia, Puerto Rico, and Haiti.
THE LIGHTNING THIEF: TYA EDITION
Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology textbook and into his life. Now, Percy has ten days to find and return Zeus’ stolen property and restore peace. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief.
COMMANDING SPACE
In the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, Annie Easley becomes one of the first African American woman to join the team of mathematicians that launch the Centaur Rocket into the Space Race. Commanding Space is an important story about a persistent and intelligent woman whose desire to succeed in science and technology proved stronger than the prejudice that would have denied her. This performance will be toured into schools.
To bring your school to Miami Theater Center please contact Terrence Brunn our Education Programs Manager at terrence@mtcmiami.org
JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM
Ten-year-old Jabari loves to paint. In his dreams, he meets children and young people from the Civil Rights Era, including Ruby Bridges, Claudette Colvin, and others, who teach him how to be fearless. Using rap, freedom songs, hip hop dance, history, and humor, this play explores what it means to have courage in a world where Black children are not safe.
To bring your school to Miami Theater Center please contact Terrence Brunn our Education Programs Manager at terrence@mtcmiami.org
Dance NOW! Miami
Dance NOW! Miami is the leading contemporary dance company in South Florida creating and producing contemporary dance of the highest quality, this incredible performance is a perfect way to introduce young people to modern dance.
To bring your school to Miami Theater Center please contact Terrence Brunn our Education Programs Manager at terrence@mtcmiami.org
CENICIENTA: A BILINGUAL CINDERELLA STORY
This captivating bilingual one-woman performance is a modern spin on the beloved fairy tale and tackles cultural heritage, family, and the power of language. Ten-year-old Belinda is a budding poet and loves to tell stories, but when she’s stuck in the basement preparing for a party upstairs that her stepmother and stepsisters will host, she’ll have to get creative.
Dogman: The Musical
Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming new production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggydo-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants.
“Dog Man: The Musical surpasses my highest expectations. It is the ‘Perfect Mash-up’ of memorable music, humor, and love.” Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey
Duke
Hawaii’s first Olympic gold medalist and the grandfather of modern surfing, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku is unquestionably one of the most important and beloved figures in Hawaiian history. Using a minimalistic set and projections showing images and pictures from Duke's life spanning from the turn of the century through modern times, we find Duke through his own eyes, through history’s reflection on his journey in a complicated era, and through the viewpoint of those who loved him.
Dreamers
A physically poetic adaptation of Yuyi Morales’ story that tells of resilience, hope and the courage it takes to find one’s voice when navigating a new place. Dreamers honors the passion, strength, and hope that is born from the challenges experienced in an immigrant's journey and reminds us that, "Someday we will become something we haven't even yet imagined."
The In-Between
Illustrating the real-life challenges of immigration, income inequality, and fears of violence in our schools, The In-Between is a realistic, relatable exploration of the complex social circumstances students must navigate in today’s world. With strong dialogue, moments of choreography, and a landscape of social media-embedded design, the performance tackles hard questions with humor, sensitivity and a deft ear for how young people negotiate the problems they encounter.
Step Afrika’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show
Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is the most vibrant holiday celebration in town! Join us DECEMBER 6-17 for a fun student-friendly performance that will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats from Step Afrika! Why celebrate the holidays sitting still when you can step with Step Afrika! As the world's first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, the Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom - Popper the Penguin along with polar bear twins and Polo, ensure a fun and exciting experience for the entire family!
Diamond's Dream
Diamond’s Dream is a virtual puppet production that takes place on a CTA Red Line train traveling south through pandemic-era Chicago. Diamond, a young African American boy, has fallen asleep on the train while on his way to visit his dying grandmother. When he awakes, time and reality have shifted, and he meets the ghost of a young African American girl, a shape-shifting elder spirit who died of Spanish Flu 100 years ago to the date. Both are confronted with paranormal puppets and images representing society’s ills – ignorance, poverty, and racism. While the spirit girl seeks only rest, Diamond comes to understand she must first be remembered in order to find it.
Jabari’s Dream of Freedom
Ten-year-old Jabari loves to paint. And through his art, he escapes the turbulent world around him, and the reality of a friend hurt by police violence. In his dreams, he meets children and young people from the Civil Rights Era, including Ruby Bridges, Claudette Colvin, and others, who teach him how to be fearless. He also meets his hero, Barack Obama, as a seven-year-old boy on the eve of the assassination of MLK, Jr…
Will Jabari be able to instill in seven-year-old Barack the lessons he's learned and therefore ensure that Barack will have the necessary tools to become president? Will Jabari learn to take these lessons back into his own life and heal his community? Using rap, freedom songs, history, and humor, this play explores what it means to have courage in a world where Black children, Black boys, are not safe.
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
This stirring drama set to music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of others from the bonds of slavery. Her courage helped to change the world. Share her adventurous life with your students in this accurate and deeply moving musical history lesson.
Citizen James
Citizen James, or The Young Man Without a Country Written by Kyle Bass| Directed by Joann Yarrow. Meet a 24-year-old James Baldwin at LaGuardia Airport. Young James is an unknown aspiring "Negro" writer whose first novel has yet to be published. He awaits his flight, having just left his family with the news of his decision to flee America for refuge in Paris. He speaks no French. He has a one-way ticket and $40 in his pocket. Witness James Baldwin as he decides he must do something to save himself from the violent reality of racism in America in 1948, a decision that sets him on the path to becoming a brilliant, powerful, and prophetic voice of the Civil Rights era and beyond. More than a one-man show, Citizen James is a bridge that connects the past to our now. Please note, the performance briefly discusses mature topics like violence, self-harm, sexuality and contains racially charged language.
Cenicienta: A Bilingual Cinderella Story
Ten-year-old Belinda is a budding poet and loves to tell stories, but when she’s stuck in the basement preparing for a party upstairs that her stepmother and stepsisters will host, she’ll have to get creative. It’s a story within a story; Belinda lives out her version while also re-enacting the classic tale of Cinderella, using whatever objects are at her disposal: napkins, teapots, and doilies, to name just a few. With these everyday items, a healthy dose of imagination, and a love of poetry passed down by her father, Belinda imagines a bigger world for herself…
When she learns that the party's special guest is (real life) writer Gary Soto, Belinda wants desperately to attend the party and share her own writings with Soto. But to do that, she must learn to stand up for herself and take charge of her life and dreams. This captivating bilingual one-woman performance is a modern spin on the beloved fairy tale and tackles cultural heritage, family, and the power of language.
Miami-based musicians Inez Barlatier and her Family Band will be celebrating the vibrancy and significance of our local Haitian community’s art and culture here in Miami. Through storytelling, songs, and visual art, kids and families will be guided on a journey through Caribbean folklore, exploring themes of community and gratitude.
Ballet Hispánico takes audiences on a guided journey through Latin-American dance and music. This interactive, fun-filled virtual exploration features excerpts of the Ballet Hispánico repertory and is narrated by artistic leadership. Latin music and cultural connections, choreography insights, and dance history come together to deepen the audience’s experience of dance. Students will be exposed to world-class choreographers and the cultures of Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Americas while learning about Latinx icons such as Celia Cruz and Tito Puente.
Emil and the Detectives is a journey about self-discovery, the value of friendships, and the empowerment of young people. In Slingsby Theatre Company’s signature intimate theatrical style, the story combines the thrilling intrigue of a classic caper with an evocative film noir design and features smoke and mirrors, miniature worlds, and a cinematic score.
Infusing hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom,” Black Violin is a duo composed of classically trained musicians, Wil B and Kev Marcus who first met playing violin in their high school orchestra in South Florida. Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kanye West, Aerosmith, and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, and Alicia Keys. Black Violin’s most recent record, Stereotypes, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical
Circus and science collide in a gorgeous homage to the power of air. Flying umbrellas, larger-than-life balloons, giant kites floating over the audience, and the biggest snow globe you’ve ever seen will make you gasp in wonder and laugh until it hurts.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers. With the freshest hip-hop choreography, a live DJ, and an electric violinist, this crowd-pleasing, and uplifting saga turns the original Tchaikovsky score on its head in the coolest possible way. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story into a romance set in 1980s New York City. Rap legend Kurtis Blow is a special guest MC for this new holiday traditional celebrating love, community, and the magic of New Year’s Eve.
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom tells the inspiring, true story of Lynda Blackmon, who celebrated her 15th birthday on the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965. Jailed nine times before the march and badly beaten on Bloody Sunday, Lynda and her neighbors fought alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. to secure the right to vote for African Americans. She believed “A voteless people is a hopeless people,” and put her life on the line, non-violently, to prove that anyone can change history, no matter how young or powerless they seem. This virtual play features an ensemble of African American performers who bring the ‘60s to life on the stage through the soul-stirring music of the Civil Rights Movement.
This groundbreaking online performance inspired by the New York Times bestseller, A Kids Book About Racism, explains what racism is, how to know it when you see and experience it, and ideas for what you can do about it. This is one conversation that’s never too early to start, and this virtual play was created to be an introduction for young children on the topic of racism.
Dance Now! Miami
Dance NOW! Miami is the leading contemporary dance company in Florida creating and producing contemporary dance of the highest caliber. Exploring themes of earth, air, fire and water, this incredible performance is a perfect way to introduce your family to modern dance.
Hungry Caterpillar
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of this beloved children’s book, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia reimagining of The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the wonderful adventures of a very tiny and very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through an amazing variety of foods on his path to becoming a beautiful butterfly, a Little Cloud who playfully transforms himself into various creatures, and finally The Mixed-Up Chameleon who is bored with his life before coming to the conclusion that there is value in his own unique self.
Ayiti, The Pearl of Antilles performed by Inez Barlatier and her Family Band
Local musician, Inez Barlatier and her Family Band, will be celebrating the vibrancy and significance of the Miami-Haitian community’s art and culture. Through storytelling, songs and visual art, kids and families will be guided on a journey through Haitian folklore, exploring themes of community and gratitude.
The Amazing Max
What’s truly amazing about The Amazing Max is not what happens on stage – although his magic is, well, amazing – but what happens in the audience. The enchanted look that spreads across the faces of his young (and not-so-young) fans as this energetic and quirky performer works his miracles is hands-down astounding. Operating from the principle that “every show is unique because every child brought to the stage is unique,” the Amazing Max conjures a custom experience that young ones will carry with them long after the show ends. Max now brings his striking visual magic, comedy and interactive fun audiences.
Arch8’s Tetris
Coming all the way from the Netherlands, this high energy performance is for the kids who can’t sit still, for the ones who like to climb the walls, and those who can imagine further than they can see! This run will include performances at MTC plus Community Outreach Opportunities for kids & teens led by MTC Teaching Artists.
Spellbound Theatre’s World Inside Me
Spellbound Theatre, New York’s award-winning theater for very young children, returns to MTC with their new imaginative and multi-disciplinary performances. Artists lead the audience through gentle interactive play, live music, dance and visual effects to illustrate the inner life of our growing bodies.
Fiesta con Sonia De Los Santos
Sonia is hosting a party at MTC, and her musical friends from Miami, Inez Barlatier and Michael Gil, are arriving to join in the fun. Everyone's brought an instrument from their homeland and is ready to sing, dance and celebrate each other's heritage and culture. Perfect for kids and families!
Trusty Sidekick’s Shadow Play
Follow the playful adventures of Flash and his exciting quest to reunite with his shadow in this multimedia Performance for the youngest of audiences and the young at heart.
La Jazzy Ash and The Leaping Lizards
Her songs celebrate the magic of movement, with a lot of sugar and sass thrown in, New Orleans–style encouraging kids and families to celebrate the music of New Orleans as part of the American folk music heritage. In concert, Jazzy Ash & the Leaping Lizards perform originals like “Throw Me Something Mista” that conjures the spirit of a Mardi Gras parade as well as jazz standards including “When the Saints go Marching In” and Louis Armstrong’s “Heebie Jeebies” in front of gorgeous projected images of New Orleans, Congo Square, the Louisiana bayou and even a field of fireflies.
La Golondrina: Musical Journey
Born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Sonia De Los Santos plays a variety of Mexican music for kids that can best be described as delightful. Singing in both English and Spanish, Sonia shares the experiences of growing up in Mexico and moving to New York City. Her songs are in the of the regional son jarocho style, drawing on Spanish and African sounds. In her performances, as she plays her guitar, mandolin, and jarana (a small guitar that looks like a ukulele), she encourages children to dance, and sing in Spanish.
Theatre unspeakable - The American Revolution
History in 50 minutes--seven actors, two feet off the ground, share 21 square feet of space to recreate the entire American fight for independence from Lexington to Yorktown. Using only the actor's bodies, voices and (pantomimed) cannons, the show evokes an epic period in American history. Combining tongue-in-cheek humor with a dash of derring-do, The American Revolution displays Theatre Unspeakable's rowdy brand of bare-boned and imaginative physical theater.
Spellbound Theatre presents Wink
Spellbound Theatre’s “Wink” is an imaginative and multi-disciplinary performance that explores dreams from the perspective of a young child and her bear. Blending shadow puppetry, physical theatre, and animation, this unique show is a captivating journey designed to engage and inspire audience members.