In This Program

• About the Show
• A Welcome from the Artistic Director
• Cast and Creative
• Events
• Our 25/26 Season Partners
• Print Edition
• More About Seattle Children’s Theatre

About the Show

This presentation of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical was made possible by the generosity of our Donors and Sponsors.

Season Sponsors:

ArtsFund
Microsoft
The Shubert Foundation
4Culture

Show Sponsors:

Bob Evans and Steve Davis

Seattle Children’s Theatre Presents...

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom the Musical

Written by Nina Meehan
Music & Lyrics by Austin Zumbro
By special arrangement with Third Wish Productions

Cast

Drew Bates
Player 1

Anabel Chacón
Player 5 

Morgan Gwilym Tso*
Player 3

Kelly Lomonte*
Player 4

Caitlin Sarwono*
Player 2

Marina Rose Pierce
Understudy - Players 2, 4, & 5

Sage Suzerris
Understudy - Players 1 & 3 

Creative

Nina Meehan Director / Book Writer
Austin Zumbro Composer & Lyrics
Mark Rabe Music Director
Kelly Lomonte Choreographer
Jeffrey Cook^ Scenic Designer
Danielle Nieves^ Costume Designer
Gwendolyn Cubbage Lighting Designer
Sandra Huezo-Menjivar Sound Designer
Amanda Sweger Assistant Lighting Designer
Shaina Pierce* Stage Manager
Max Zamorano Assistant Stage Manager

Summary

Join us for an unforgettable adventure with Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical, where the beloved children’s book springs to life on stage! This delightful production features vibrant songs, energetic dancing, and whimsical puppets, ensuring a joyous experience for kids and adults alike.   

Follow the playfully adored story as the alphabet letters ambitiously climb the coconut tree, only to tumble down in a cascade of color and laughter. With plenty of audience interaction and lively performances, this show is not just entertainment, it’s a fantastic way for children to explore sound, rhythm, and reading in a fun, engaging spectacle. Don’t miss the excitement and joy of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical! 

Themes

SELF CONFIDENCE
Like the letters in the alphabet, each of us is one of a kind. However, it may not always feel like we have a place. In the play, we see how Little z has a hard time feeling like they belong; but, as the play ends, we learn that no matter where we are in the world, we are special, unique, and important enough to belong. 

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING
This play showcases how, as people, our emotions and feelings are educational and informative. All of the letters in the show learn, navigate, and grow as characters by engaging with others, voicing their feelings, and learning from both their successes and failures. This musical shows audiences what is possible when we lean into the power of our emotions. 

LITERACY
This show is a love letter to reading and writing. By personifying the alphabet, the play allows audiences to engage with literacy in a way that is immersive, explorative, and imaginative. The musical not only shows us what reading and writing is, but asks us to explore what is possible when we play with all of the letters in the alphabet.

PROBLEM SOLVING
In the play all of the letters have one goal in mind—to climb to the top of the coconut tree—but no one knows how to do so. By watching the characters encounter a challenge, think it through, and problem solve, audiences learn how they too can discover what is possible when they use the power of their own mind and skills.  

Welcome to our 51st Season at Seattle Children’s Theatre—a season that is bold, diverse, joyful, and deeply rooted in community. As we open our doors to a new year of storytelling, we’re also providing creative spaces and experiences for our young people, families and educators all season long. In a world that currently feels uncertain and complex, I believe more than ever in the transformative power of storytelling and how theatre can uplift, connect, and inspire.

We begin this diverse season with a trio of world premieres that reflect our deepest values — imagination, representation, and belonging.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical by Nina Meehan and Austin Zumbro bursts onto the stage with rhythm, rhyme, and irresistible energy. Based on the beloved children’s book by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault, with illustrations by Lois Ehlert, the story springs to life through music and movement. Meehan, a celebrated theatre maker, brings her signature creativity and educational insight, crafting experiences that resonate with both children and adults. Partnering with her, Zumbro delivers a lively score, mixing musical styles with a contagious energy that stays with you long after the show ends. Following its run at SCT, the production will launch a national tour, reaching thousands of young people across the country.

Next, we welcome our first co-production with Seattle Rep: Fancy Dancer by Larissa FastHorse. This work brings us something deeply personal—a story rooted in FastHorse’s own life, layered with culture, resilience, and profound humanity. Her voice is bold, clear, and urgently necessary as it redefines theatre for multigenerational audiences. Fancy Dancer is a love letter to young people discovering who they are and to the communities that shape and lift them higher. 

Then comes holiday cheer with a twist in The Pigeon Gets a Big Holiday Extravaganza! Based on Mo Willems’ wildly popular characters, this new musical is hilarious, expressive, relatable, and full of heart. It’s also a celebration of togetherness — the kind we all crave — and a gentle reminder that our simple presence is enough. 

At SCT, we believe theatre is more than entertainment — it’s a responsibility. We are committed to telling stories that reflect the rich diversity of our audiences and support young people as they make sense of themselves in the world. 

In addition to our seven-show season, we continue to offer enriching experiences through our Adrienne Dillard-Coons Drama School, which provides theatre camps and classes throughout the year.  We also bring workshops and residencies into schools across Seattle, expanding access to creative learning.  

This season, we’re especially proud to introduce The Good Human Cycle, a new works development initiative that uplifts stories exploring what it means to be a good human in today’s world. These emerging plays and playwrights reflect the very best of our shared values, and I can’t wait to share them with you—along with the rest of our season’s offerings in the new year!

Thank you for joining us for the first season of our next 50 years. I hope you’ll lean in with us, laugh loudly, feel deeply, and leave each performance a little more connected — to yourself, to those you love, and to this beautiful community we share.  

With gratitude and excitement, 
Johamy Morales

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Nina Meehan
Director, Book Writer – Nina Meehan (she/her) is an award-winning director and playwright creating theatrical experiences that resonate across generations. Her recent artistic work includes Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: The Musical (Pasek, Paul and McDonald), Wheels on the Bus, and the world-premiere of Grumpy Monkey, The Musical produced by Pasadena Playhouse. Nina’s work has reached over 1 million audience members worldwide. She specializes in adaptations, transforming cherished stories into dynamic theatrical experiences. She is a sought-after keynote speaker with a specialization in communication and creativity. Nina is a Doctoral Candidate in Creativity Studies and lives in Tahoe with her husband and three children. 

Austin Zumbro
Composer and Lyrics – Austin Zumbro (he/him) stands as one of the most prolific writers and composers in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) over the past 15 years. With an impressive portfolio of over 30 plays and musicals, Zumbro has made significant contributions to children’s theater. His acclaimed works include Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site: the Musical, which earned the TBA Award for Best New Musical; Fly Guy: the Musical, licensed by the Susan Gurman Agency; and The Day the Crayons Quit: the Musical. Notably, his The Rainbow Fish Musical won the AATE Distinguished Play Award in 2020. His most recent success, Llama Llama, the Musical, has delighted audiences nationwide. Zumbro served as the resident playwright and composer at Bay Area Children’s Theatre for 12 years. He lives in Oakland, California with his two daughters (ages 5 and 3). 

Mark Rabe
Music Director – After 12 years away, Mark Rabe (he/him) is delighted to return to SCT. From 2006 to 2013 he music-directed 15 productions here: Goodnight Moon 2007 & 2009, High School Musical, Busytown, Peter Pan, Wizard Of Oz 2008 & 2012, Pero (also in the cast onstage), Lyle The Crocodile, and more. Professional singer/actor & music director for 30+ years at many theatres including Seattle Rep, ACT, Showtunes Theatre (20+ productions), Seattle G&S Society (Gregory Award nomination), Second Story Repertory, Reboot Theatre, plus many others. He also tours the country with Frank Ferrante in An Evening With Groucho. 

Kelly Lomonte
Choreographer – Kelly Lomonte is thrilled to be making their professional theatrical choreography debut at SCT! Kelly has spent most of her life performing and collaborating in professional and educational spaces and it is the biggest honor to be debuting her works alongside such a fantastic team. Kelly has been a teaching artist on and off for many years at Junior Theatre Festival and with companies like ITheatrics. Kelly received a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan, Go Blue! She wants to thank everyone in their circle that has helped them reach this achievement, especially Nina Meehan for bringing her along for this exciting adventure! 

Jeffrey Cook
Scenic Designer – Jeffrey Cook (he/him) is a Washingtonian working in Seattle and the Northwest since 1990. For SCT: The Best Summer Ever! (Dir: Steven Dietz), Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed (Dir: Linda Hartzell), Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi (Dir: Rita Giomi). Local design includes: The 5th Avenue (Dirs: Bill Berry, Phillip George), Village (Dir: Rich Grey), Harlequin, Book-It, Tacoma Actors Guild. 12 seasons at Oregon Contemporary Theater: Wickham’s Christmas 2 and 3, Last Five Years, Clybourne Park, Next to Normal, Assassins. Designer of Seattle Center Winterfest since 2007. National: Three years at Denver Center Theatre design/production shops, Thomas the Train on Stage. MFA: UO ‘95.  Website: JeffreyDesigns.net  

Danielle Nieves
Costume Designer – Danielle Nieves (she/her) is thrilled to be back with the incredible artists at Seattle Children’s Theatre. Her work has been seen previously at SCT (The Hula Hoopin’ Queen), The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Village Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Seattle Children’s Theatre, The Old Globe, Dallas Theater Center, South Coast Repertory Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, Writer’s Theatre, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and Cleveland Playhouse. Off-Broadway credits: Pity in History, No End of Blame, Gertrude The Cry, and Lovesong of the Electric Bear for PTP/NYC at the Atlantic Stage 2. USA 829 member. http://www.daniellenieves.com 

Gwen Cubbage 
Lighting Designer – Gwen Cubbage (she/her) is thrilled to be making her SCT debut! Gwen’s Broadway and regional credits include assistant work on Sondheim! The Birthday Concert, the Tony Award-nominated The Scottsboro Boys, and shows at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Guthrie, and the McCarter. She lit live performances by Macklemore, Michael Franti, Rascal Flatts, Trixie and Katya, and many more. Her architectural credits include the IES Award-winning Expedia Headquarters; the new main terminal of PDX; and The Spiral skyscraper in NYC. She has received seventeen awards, nominations, or features, and six art grants in her fifteen-year career. She is the Production Manager & Lighting Designer for the University of Washington Department of Dance. 

Sandra Huezo-Menjivar 
Sound Designer – Sandra Huezo-Menjivar is a sound designer and audio engineer based in Seattle, WA. Recent credits include Sound Designer, Jettison to Europa, (Annex Theatre), Co-Sound Designer, The Effect, (ArtsWest), Sound Designer/A1, A Wrinkle in Time, (Village Theatre KIDSTAGE), and Sound Designer, Love’s Labor’s Lost, (Seattle Shakespeare Company). They are also a broadcast console operator for local public radio stations KEXP and KUOW. They couldn’t be happier to be making their debut with SCT! You can find them on Instagram @menjivar_sound. 

Max Zamorano
Assistant Stage Manager – Max Zamorano (he/they) is a Seattle-based stage manager and is delighted to be making his SCT debut! In addition to stage management, he is also passionate about baking, reading, running, and his cat Salem. Recent credits include: The 5th Avenue Theatre, A Contemporary Theatre (ACT), Seattle Rep, Intiman Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Santa Cruz Shakespeare.  

THE CAST

Drew Bates Player 1 – Drew Bates (they/he/she) is overjoyed to be making their first appearance with Seattle Children’s Theatre! Originally from Auburn, they are an actor, teaching artist, and – when time allows – an aspiring juggler. Previous credits include Spring Awakening (5th Avenue Theatre), Jersey Boys (Village Theatre), Miss Nelson is Missing (Admiral Theatre), and Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Leavenworth Summer Theatre). BFA recipient from Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts. Much love to my parents, Kyle, Sam, and the wonderfully supportive network of friends that make this all possible.

Anabel Chacón Player 5 – Anabel (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical! This is her first show and tour with Seattle Children’s Theatre. Some recent credits include: Spring Awakening (5th Avenue Theatre), NewWorks Festival (Village Theatre), Flowers (ThreeWinks Productions), FOCUS: An Opera that Rocks (Mark Power Voice Productions), Clue (Edmonds Driftwood Players), and The Memphis Belles as Anabel Angelcake (NM Entertainment). Anabel wants to thank her friends, family, and mentors for cheering her on as she climbs toward her dreams… and maybe up a coconut tree or two. 

Morgan Gwilym Tso Player 3 – Morgan Gwilym Tso (he/they) is thrilled to be making his SCT debut with Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical. Born and raised in Seattle, he has fond memories of crying in the audience of past SCT productions - but hopes to garner a slightly different reaction now that he’s on the stage. Select credits include The Effect (ArtsWest), Romeo and Juliet (Seattle Shakespeare Company), and Wolf Play (ACT Contemporary Theatre). They are deeply grateful for the continuous support of their friends and family and honored to help Remy learn how to spell her name. 

Kelly Lomonte Player 4 – Kelly Lomonte (she/they) is thrilled to be making her Seattle Children’s Theatre debut as both choreographer and performer! Performing credits: Bye Bye Birdie (The Kennedy Center); Chava, Fiddler on the Roof (The Philadelphia Orchestra); Wendy Jo, Footloose (Maine State Music Theatre); Anna u/s, Frozen (Theatre Under the Stars). Film Credits: Dana, “Lessons” (Dir. Shawn Butcher). University of Michigan Alumni. Thank you to The Fam, Jake, Wilson, and The Talent House Team. Follow along on instagram
@kellylomo or http://www.kellylomonte.com 

Caitlin Sarwono Player 2 – Caitlin Sarwono (she/her) is an actor and educator born and raised in Seattle. After participating in the workshop last year, she is thrilled to be making her SCT debut with this amazing show! Recent credits: Wendla, Spring Awakening (The 5th Avenue Theatre), Ariel Cover, Disney’s The Little Mermaid (The 5th Avenue Theatre), Sophie, Mamma Mia! (Great Lakes Center for the Arts), Swing, Songs of the Moon (The 5th Avenue Educational Tour), Sally Brown, A Charlie Brown Christmas (Taproot Theatre). Outside of performing, Caitlin is a public school teacher, music director, as well as a private voice instructor. Many thanks to her family and friends for all their support!

Marina Rose Pierce Understudy - Player 2, 4, 5 – Marina Rose Pierce (she/her) Marina is delighted to be making her SCT debut. Marina is a theater artist and educator, with a passion for musical storytelling. She holds a BFA in Musical Theater Performance from Cornish College of the Arts. Favorite roles include Liesl, The Sound of Music (Leavenworth Summer Theatre), Hodel, Fidder on the Roof (Whidbey Island Center for the Arts), and Swing, Ride the Cyclone (SecondStory Rep). She can often be found reading, crafting, and singing with her cat, Liza Meownelli. For all the wonderful people who fill her life with love and support. Marinarosepierce.com
IG: @missmarinarose. 

Sage Suzerris Understudy - Player 1 & 3 – Sage Suzerris (he/him) is excited to be in Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical. Previous credits include Prince Dauntless, Once Upon a Mattress, (Red Curtain Foundation), Ernst, Spring Awakening (5th Ave. Theatre), and Bunny U/S, Goodnight Moon (Seattle Children’s Theatre). Sage is also a singer/songwriter who has taught music at Village Theatre Kidstage and played accompaniment for the Betsuin Buddhist Temple’s children’s choir. While not on stage, Sage is busy writing his WEBTOON “Starcatcher Educational Astronomy for Kids”. 

Seattle Children’s Theatre is a member of TYA/USA, the national center of the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People.

SCT is a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national service organization for the nonprofit professional theatre.

SCT is a proud member of International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY).

ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 50,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, working conditions, and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. #EquityWorks.

Lighting, sound, staging, property, scenery, scenic art, and costume work at Seattle Children’s Theatre is performed by employees represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the US and Canada, AFL-CIO, CLC.

Seattle Children’s Theatre works with the Stage Directors and Choreographers society.

The designers at this theatre are represented by United Scenic Artists (Local USA 829) of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

* Indicates members of the Actors’ Equity Association

Hallow-Screen at SCT

October 18, 2025 at 2:00pm – SCT’s Charlotte Martin Theatre 
$10 Adult Tickets | $5 Youth Tickets 

Step into SCT for a one-night-only Halloween celebration! Families can enjoy candy, spooky snacks, and a kid-approved Halloween movie. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with friends, family, and the SCT community. 

SCT is profoundly grateful for our donor family, whose contributions at every level help make our work possible. 

This special donor experience offers a rare glimpse into the artistry, craftsmanship, and collaboration that happen long before opening night. Meet the makers, see sets and costumes up close, and experience SCT like never before. 

Upcoming Dates: 9/26, 9/28, 10/3, 11/20, 11/23

Space is limited — reserve your spot today by contacting Annual Fund 

Manager Megan Dale at MeganD@sct.org. 

SCT is excited to offer Talk Backs this season. After every show, the actors will come out on stage to answer a few questions. Each Talk Back will last a few minutes.

Eighth Generation is a Seattle based art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. They partner with Native artists around the country to design, manufacture and market beautiful wool blankets and gifts intended for everyone.

View and purchase Native art in the SCT gift shop all season long.

Thank you to Barnes & Noble for being a proud Season Partner of Seattle Children’s Theatre.

Barnes & Noble is the nation’s largest bookseller, with nearly 600 stores and an online bookstore at BN.com. They also offer eBooks and audiobooks through NOOK®, plus SparkNotes and Paper Source. 

Thank you to our season partner, King County Metro. King County Metro is partnering with SCT to provide free rides on the metro bus services, link light rail, and other transportation services* while supplies last.

Thank you to our season media partner, Seattle Times Media Solutions, for their continued support of Seattle Children’s Theatre. Through this partnership, SCT receives significant promotional value that helps us share our productions with families across the region. Seattle Times Media Solutions’ support allows us to reach audiences throughout our region and share the joy of storytelling on stage. 

Print Edition

More About Seattle Children’s Theatre

Seattle Children’s Theatre Audience Member Guide

Experiencing the theatre is a group activity shared not only with the actors, but also with the people sitting around you. Your attention and participation help the actors perform better, and allows the rest of the audience to enjoy the show. We invite you to laugh when it is funny,

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Land Acknowledgement
SCT's Board of Trustees
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