Spring 2027 School of Theatre...

Spring 2027 School of Theatre Shows

Our upcoming season is rooted in the themes of friendship and belonging, reflecting our core belief that theatre is for everyone. At Matthews Playhouse, we are committed to creating an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and valued—both on and off the stage.

This year’s lineup has been thoughtfully curated to offer a cohesive and meaningful experience across all age groups. From whimsical and heartfelt stories to bold, adventurous journeys, each production explores connection, identity, and the importance of finding your place within a community.

To bring these stories to life, we will be working within a unified production style that emphasizes imagination and creativity. Students will engage with creative movement, elements of modern dance, puppetry, and costume storytelling, all supported by a versatile, multi-level set enhanced with projections. This approach allows us to transform the stage into a variety of dynamic, mystical worlds while keeping the focus on storytelling and performance.

Together, these productions create a season that is not only entertaining, but purposeful—encouraging students to collaborate, take creative risks, and experience the power of storytelling as an ensemble.

We are excited to share this journey with our students and families and look forward to a season that celebrates connection, creativity, and the joy of theatre.

Benny and the Jett (TK-2nd Grade)

March 13, 2027

Step into a gentle, imaginative world where friendship takes center stage. Benny and the Jett: The Musical follows Benny, a dog who believes he’s a boy, and his best friend Jett, who is perfectly content being a dog. Together, they embark on a big day filled with music, movement, and moments of courage as they discover what it means to shine in their own way.

Through playful scenes, ensemble songs, and expressive movement, this original musical celebrates confidence, empathy, and supporting one another—even when friends are different. Even though they see the world differently, they’re best friends just the same, showing that being different doesn’t mean you can’t belong together.

A Year With Frog and Toad KIDS (Grades 3-5)

March 12-13, 2027

Celebrate the simple joys of friendship in A Year with Frog and Toad Kids. Through a series of charming and whimsical adventures, these two best friends navigate the seasons together—sharing laughter, learning patience, and always showing up for one another. With delightful characters, playful storytelling, and heartfelt moments, this musical is a warm and wonderful introduction to the stage.

How to Train Your Dragon, Jr. (Grades 3-8, Two Casts)

March 19-March 20, 2027 (Cast A)
March 20-March 21, 2027 (Cast B)

Enter a world of Vikings and dragons in this thrilling stage adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon! In a village where fighting dragons is a way of life, one unlikely hero discovers that friendship can change everything. As bonds form between humans and dragons, this story unfolds into a powerful tale of trust, bravery, and understanding. Filled with action, humor, and heart, this production invites students to bring an imaginative world to life on stage.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Grades 6-12)

March 20-21, 2027

Get ready for a mythological adventure in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical! When Percy discovers he is the son of a Greek god, he is thrust into a world of monsters, quests, and epic challenges. Joined by a group of loyal friends, Percy must navigate a journey filled with danger, humor, and heart. This high-energy musical celebrates courage, teamwork, and the friendships that help us discover where we belong.

She Kills Monsters (Grades 6-12 Acting Students)

March 13-14, 2027

Step into a world of adventure, imagination, and unexpected friendship in *She Kills Monsters. This action-packed play follows a young woman who discovers her late sister’s love of fantasy role-playing games and embarks on a journey through a magical realm filled with warriors, monsters, and heroes. Along the way, she uncovers stories of connection, identity, and the power of embracing who you truly are. Blending humor, heart, and high-energy storytelling, this production celebrates friendship in all its forms.

*This production thoughtfully explores themes of grief, identity, mental health, and LGBTQ+ representation within a strong educational framework that supports student growth and understanding.