Tag: Mo Willems

Elephant & Piggie Take the Stage: Magik Theatre’s Play Brings Mo Willems’ Characters to Life

Celebrate your best friendships with Magik Theatre’s hilarious Mo Willem’s musical Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a play!’ Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

San Antonio, TX – Invite your friends to a different kind of play date with Magik Theatre’s Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ running February 1 – March 23. Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig are “bestus” friends in this rollicking musical based on Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning “Elephant and Piggie” books. (Magik Theatre, 2025)

When the duo gets invited to a party hosted by The Squirrelles—a trio of fun-loving, singing squirrels—it seems like the makings of a perfect day. But Gerald is worried this big opportunity might create big problems for their friendship. Piggie does not share her elephant pal’s concern, in fact, she’s even happier and more excited than usual. In order for both the friends to have a good time, they must work (and sing and dance) together to overcome obstacles and help each other on a day when anything is possible.

“Gerald and Piggie couldn’t be more different—one is cautious and thoughtful, while the other is playful and impulsive,” says director Jenny Lavery. “But their bond shows us that differences don’t divide us, instead they can bring us closer together.” Lavery directs Ethan Hart (Gerald) and Sami Serrano (Piggie), as well as Amy Bouquet, Lexie Williams, and Hannah Rodriguez as the Squirrelles. Sarah Bailey serves as musical director and Tanesha Payne is the production’s choreographer for the vibrant musical numbers.

Audiences ages 3 and up will get a kick out of this funny, heartwarming story of two friends navigating life’s unexpected occasions. Throughout the musical’s run, Magik Theatre is providing plenty of ways to have a day out just as exciting and special as the one Piggie and Gerald embark on. From an opening night party in Hemisfair Park with cookies and cocoa and kids crafts, to add-on experiences like a post-show backstage tour with the cast and pop-up ice cream socials on the weekends, there are plenty of ways to enhance the family fun.

Aspiring young actors can even learn what it takes to perform on the stage with this season’s new Magik Monday, a series of workshops inspired by the current performance and designed to spark creativity and build confidence. February’s Elephant and Piggie workshop will introduce students to acting through exciting games and exercises, with the chance to rehearse short scenes as well.

With the recent opening of a dedicated quiet room, Magik continues its commitment to making theatre accessible to everyone. The quiet room, which officially opened in late 2024, includes cozy, specialized furniture, calming decor, a TV broadcasting the current performance in real time, and sensory toys to allow overwhelmed or overstimulated audience members to easily take a break from the show without missing out on the rest of the theatre experience. The new space adds to other efforts Magik has made to become a Kulture City certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, as well as its ongoing special performances to accommodate those with special needs and financial constraints.

For family fun, lots of laughs, and catchy tunes, Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ is truly a perfect way to have your own perfect day. Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ is based on the Mo Willems books of the same name, published by Hyperion Books, with book and lyrics by Willems and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

SPECIAL EVENTS & ADD-ON EXPERIENCES

Opening Night Party in the Park | Saturday, February 1, 4:30p.m., show at 6:30p.m.
Celebrate the first performance of Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ with a free, pre-show party at Hemisfair Park just outside Magik Theatre. Guests can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as they groove to a kid-friendly, parent-approved pop music playlist, get their faces painted, and make their own Elephant and Piggie puppets to take home. While the party is free and open to the public, the subsequent performance is ticketed.

Backstage Experience Add-On | Available after performances*
(*Excluding other special events such as the opening night Party in the Park)
If you or your little theatre buddy wish the performance didn’t have to end, Magik has a brand-new way to prolong the, well, magic. For a small additional fee, audience members can now stick around after the show to get a 15-minute guided tour of the set, props, and costumes, plus meet the cast and pose for an onstage photo with them. Cost: $15 per person.

Ice Cream Social Add-On | Available before weekend performances
But wait, there is more! Sweeten the experience with Magik’s new Ice Cream Social pre-show perk. Guests can chow on their choice of vanilla, chocolate or strawberry ice cream, complete with toppings then capture the moment in photos with the adorably loveable Elephant & Piggie! Cost: $15 per person.

Magik Monday: Act It Out with Elephant and Piggie | Monday, February 24, at 6p.m.
Designed to spark creativity and build confidence, this class introduces young performers in grades 1-5 to the basics of acting in a playful and supportive environment. Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ provides the inspiration for exciting acting games, improvisation, and simple scene acting. Cost: $35 per person.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

Pay What You Wish Performance | Saturday, February 8, at 2p.m.
As part of Magik Theatre’s mission to make theatre accessible to everyone, the organization holds one donation-based performance. Tickets are only available at the door on February 8.

Sensory Friendly Performance | Saturday, February 15, at 10a.m.
Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities can take in a special performance of Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’ designed just for them. Kids and adults are free to be themselves in this relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience that is a perfect introduction to attending a performance.

ASL Interpreted Performance | Saturday, February 22, at 2p.m.
Patrons who communicate with ASL can attend this performance featuring Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary American Sign Language interpreter.

Educator Appreciation Day | Sunday, March 2 at 3p.m.
Educators and school faculty are eligible for one free ticket to this performance with proof of I.D. Additional tickets are available to purchase for these performances at a discount of 20% off the regular ticket prices.

Military and First Responders Appreciation Day | Saturday, March 22 at 2p.m.
Service members with a valid military ID can purchase discounted $18 tickets to this performance.

2024-2025 TICKET OPTIONS

Magik Theatre offers multiple ways for patrons to experience the best children’s theatre in San Antonio. Magik is a cherished arts institution that has been providing families with professional, accessible, literature-based theatre and education since 1994. Located in Hemisfair Park, families can catch the show, enjoy a day of play exploring Yanaguana Garden, grab a meal at one of the many restaurants on site and make Magikal memories. Season subscriptions, Flex Passes, and single ticket sales are available now.

SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING
• Two Show Subscription $41 per person

FLEX PASS PRICING
● Ten Flex Passes $190

SINGLE TICKETS
● $25 for adults
● $20 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, Educators & Students
● Children under 2 years old are free.

Purchase season subscriptions, flex passes, and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.

If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries, contact the Magik Theatre.

MAGIK THEATRE

A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people.

Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!, The Musical’ at the Magik Theatre

Get on board ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!,’ a rollicking musical based on Mo Willems’ contemporary classic. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Coming up at the Magik Theatre, hop on an unforgettable ride in ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!,’ a hilarious play based on the beloved book by Mo Willems. When the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers late, a determined Pigeon sees his chance to take the wheel. It’s up to the audience to convince him that even though it’s not the best idea, there is something he can do. With catchy songs, colorful characters, and a heartwarming message about responsibility, this production promises to be a joyous experience for young audiences and adults alike. Even VIA, San Antonio’s transit authority, is joining in the fun with a bus-themed opening night party at Hemisfair Park to get the show rolling. (Magik Theatre, 2024)

Featuring a hilarious script co-written by Willems and Tom Warburton, catchy songs by Deborah Wicks La Puma, and an innovative mix of actors and puppets, ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!’ plays off Willems’ madcap rhythm and playful vibe.

“In order to give the musical a dramatic arc, Willems has explored WHY the Pigeon cannot drive the bus. He also creates conflict around the Pigeon finding his ‘thing.’ Everyone seems to have one except for the Pigeon. Can the bus driver help the Pigeon figure it out?” – Anthony Runfola, Magik Theatre Artistic Director

Local musical theatre veteran Heather Hooten and Charlie Smith play the wily Pigeon and put-upon Bus Driver, respectively. Costume designer Marshall Chase and accomplished set and lighting designer Katherine Stepanek recreate Willems’ signature visual style for the stage. The result is a gleeful, engaging performance sure to delight fans of musical theater and Mo Willems alike. As always, local students are well taken care of, with matinee performances and a digital resource guide customized for educators. Suitable for children ages 4 and up, ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!’ is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), who also supplies all authorized performance materials.

Special Events and Performances
Opening Night Party in the Park | Saturday, February 10, 4:30p.m., show at 6p.m.
Get your little ones in their finest duds and frocks to join the flock (and Pigeon himself) as Magik rolls out the red carpet for this big shot event. Guests will enjoy live music by Billy Ray Shepherd, interactive crafts, live pigeons, raffle prizes, and a special treat courtesy of party partner Hemisfair. Thanks to show sponsor VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority, pint-sized bus enthusiasts can explore VIA’s fully restored, vintage 1966 GMC Dreamliner bus parked outside the theatre, meet the organization’s mascot Primo, and grab a snack from VIA’s bus shaped Grillig food truck.

In celebration of Black History Month, Magik goers can take in VIA’s temporary exhibit highlighting the role of transit in the Civil Rights Movement and the many African American trailblazers whose contributions made a long-lasting impact on the industry. At 5:30p.m., special guest Jeffrey C. Arndt, VIA President and CEO will start the journey with a special story time reading of Willem’s cherished tale, ‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!’

Educator Appreciation Performance | Sunday, February 11, 3p.m.
Educators and school faculty are eligible for one free ticket to this performance with proof of I.D. Additional tickets are available to purchase for these performances at a discount of 50% off the regular ticket prices with promo code THANKYOU50.

Sensory-Friendly Performance | Saturday, February 24, 10a.m.
Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory issues can take in a special performance designed just for them. Kids and adults are free to be themselves in this relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience.

Pay What You Wish Performance | Sunday, February 25, 3p.m.
As part of Magik Theatre’s mission to make theatre accessible to everyone, the organization holds one donation-based performance. Tickets are only available at the door on February 25.

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance | Saturday, March 9, 2p.m.
Patrons who communicate with ASL can attend this performance featuring Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary American Sign Language interpreter.

Transit Driver Appreciation Discounts | Sunday, March 17, 3p.m. (Closing Day) and Beyond
Magik celebrates San Antonio’s hard-working transit drivers with special discounts on its closing day performance, Sunday, March 17. With proof of I.D., all transit drivers (including taxi, trolley, bus and rideshare drivers as well as pilots) are eligible for a 15% discount off the regular ticket price by using promo code TDAD15. It’s Magik’s way of kicking off Transit Appreciation Day, celebrated every March 18, to thank and appreciate transit drivers around the nation.

As a special thank you to the show sponsor, VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority, all VIA employees are eligible for 20% off the regular ticket price through the run of the show by using discount code VIA20 with proof of I.D.

Purchase bundles, flex passes, and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9a.m. – 5p.m. If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For further inquiries, contact Magik Theatre.  

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‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus’ opening night