Last Stop on Market Street
February 6—27, 2022 at the Grandel Theatre
3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO 63103
By Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Christian Robinson
Adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West
Music and Lyrics by Lamont Dozier and Paris Ray Dozier
Digital Recording and Underscoring by Paris Ray Dozier
Originally commissioned and produced by Chicago Children’s Theatre
And the Children’s Theatre Company
Director: Jacqueline Thompson
Nana: Denise Thimes
CJ: Daniel McRath
Ensemble: Robert Crenshaw, Valentina Silva, Cameron Tyler, and Tyler White
“…like Hamilton for kids” – Minneapolis Star Tribune
Get ready for a heart-thumpin’, toe-tappin’ joy ride in this Motown/hip-hop musical adaptation of New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning picture book Last Stop on Market Street! CJ is reluctantly staying with his Nana, in a world considerably different from the one he’s used to, always plugged in to his phone and tablet. 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. With a spectacular, spirited score by Motown legend Lamont Dozier and his son Paris Ray Dozier, you might find yourself dancing in your seat as you enjoy this vibrant story about connecting to your community.
Best for ages 5 and up. The production is approximately 75 minutes with no intermission.
Themes of Last Stop on Market Street: musical, hip hop, soul, gospel, and rap music, inspirational, humor, thankfulness, appreciation of differences, giving back, empathy, digital divide
“Last Stop on Market Street is what children’s theater should be. It does not talk down to its audience. It is burgeoning with wonder. If you are a kid, you’ll giggle yourself silly. If you were once a kid, you just might remember what that felt like.” – Chicago Sun-Times
All digital programs during Metro Theater Company's 2021-2022 Season are supported by PNC Arts Alive.
Illustration by Christian Robinson
From the book Last Stop on Market Street © 2015
Published by the Penguin Group
Artists
DIRECTED BY JACQUELINE THOMPSON
CAST
Nana: Denise Thimes
CJ: Daniel McRath
Ensemble: Robert Crenshaw, Valentina Silva, Cameron Tyler, and Tyler White
PRODUCTION TEAM
Musicians: Courtney J’mell Smith and Philip A. Woodmore, Ph.D.
Music Director: Philip A. Woodmore, Ph.D.
Choreographer/Movement Director: Christopher Page-Sanders
Scenic Design: Peter and Margery Spack
Costume Designer: Felia Davenport
Lighting Designer: Jayson Lawshee
Sound Designer: Jackpot Sharp
Props Master: Emily Frei
Stage Manager: Sarah Rugo
Assistant Director: Erin Renée Roberts
Scenic Painter: Cristie Johnston
Spanish Language Coach: Gaby Rodriguez
Costume Assistant: Nathan Lessly
Sound Engineer: Thomas White
METRO THEATER COMPANY PRODUCTION STAFF
Production Stage Manager: Jimmy Bernatowicz
Technical Director: Erik Kuhn
Producing Associate: John Wolbers
House Management: Tawaine Noah and Teresa West
Support
Last Stop on Market Street is supported in part by Berges Family Foundation, Regional Arts Commission, Emerson, Crawford Taylor Foundation, PNC Arts Alive, The Shubert Foundation, Whitaker Foundation, Centene Charitable Trust, and Missouri Arts Council. Streaming of Last Stop on Market Street is part of MTC Remote, a new virtual initiative supported by PNC Arts Alive.
Metro Theater Company is thankful for the support of and partnerships with St. Louis Post-Dispatch Newspapers in Education program.
