For 75 years, Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC) has brought generations of families together through the power of theater. Now, the beloved theater company celebrates its monumental season with A Platinum Jubilee. This joyful season invites audiences to gather in community, embrace imagination, and celebrate the stories that connect us across generations.
The season begins with the world premiere play, Beatrice Likes the Dark, a heartfelt story about two sisters learning to embrace each other’s differences, followed by the remount of the holiday favorite Frosty the Snow Man. In the new year, audiences will journey alongside James and the Giant Peach in Roald Dahl’s beloved tale of adventure and found family, before welcoming the playful chaos of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. The season concludes with the uplifting reggae musical Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, reminding audiences of all ages that “every little thing gonna be alright.”
“Sustaining a theatre for young audiences for 75 years is both a remarkable achievement and an incredible responsibility,” says Kurt Boehm, Artistic Director of Adventure Theatre MTC. “For six generations, families across the Washington, DC region have trusted Adventure Theatre MTC to create meaningful, award-winning theatrical experiences that spark imagination, empathy, and joy. We are deeply proud to celebrate A Platinum Jubilee and the extraordinary community that made it possible. As we look toward the next 75 years, we know the future of theatre for young audiences depends on intentional investment and continued support from the generations of families, artists, educators, and patrons who believe in the power of gathering together to share stories.”
A Platinum Jubilee begins with BEATRICE LIKES THE DARK, a world premiere play based on the book by April Genevieve Tucholke and adapted for the stage by Helen Hayes Award-winning playwright Dani Stoller. Directed by Patrick Flynn, who recently helmed ATMTC’s acclaimed production of Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, the production runs October 2 through November 1, 2026. Through the story of two very different sisters, Beatrice and Roo, audiences are reminded that our differences can bring us closer together — and that bravery often begins with understanding one another.
The holidays sparkle once again with the remount of the Helen Hayes Award-nominated favorite, FROSTY THE SNOW MAN. Originally written by William Francis and last seen on the ATMTC stage in 2026 to rave reviews from critics and families alike, this heartwarming adventure returns by popular demand. Directed once again by longtime DC creative Danny Tippett, Frosty the Snowman will spread holiday magic from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
Adventure and imagination soar onto the Glen Echo stage in February 2027 with JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. Adapted for young audiences by EGOT-winning songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with a book by Timothy Allen McDonald, this beloved Roald Dahl tale follows young James and his extraordinary insect companions on a journey filled with friendship, wonder, and discovery. Directed by Artistic Director Kurt Boehm, the production runs February 5 through March 14, 2027.
What happens when you give audiences a beloved classic? Endless laughter. IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE, based on the cherished books by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond, comes to ATMTC directed by eight-time Helen Hayes Award recipient, actor and director Erin Weaver. Filled with playful surprises and nonstop fun, the production celebrates the joy of giving, curiosity, and the wonderfully messy chain reactions that bring people together. The mouse will cause chaos in ATMTC’s house from April 9 through May 23, 2027.
Closing the 75th Anniversary season is the jubilant return of BOB MARLEY’S THREE LITTLE BIRDS, written by former ATMTC Artistic Director Michael J. Bobbitt, based on the book by Cedella Marley and featuring the iconic music of reggae legend Bob Marley. Originally premiering at ATMTC in 2013 and nominated for Helen Hayes’ Charles MacArthur Award in 2014 after its national tour, this reggae musical celebrates family, friendship, courage, and community through the unforgettable music and message of Bob Marley. As little Ziggy learns to face his fears, audiences of all ages are reminded that “every little thing gonna be alright.” The production, directed by Helen Hayes Award Recipient Ashleigh King, runs June 25 through August 22, 2027, bringing the Platinum Jubilee Season to a joyful, music-filled finale.
Single tickets are $27-29 each, with group and field trip rates available. Flexpasses, a book of 10 tickets, applicable to any show in the 2026/27 season, are currently on sale for $185. All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park. For tickets or more information about Adventure Theatre MTC, call 301-634-2270 or visit www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org.
ADVENTURE THEATRE MTC 2026/27 A PLATINUM JUBILEE SEASON LISTINGS
BEATRICE LIKES THE DARK
October 2–November 1, 2026
Written by Dani Stoller
Based on the book by April Genevieve Tucholke
Directed by Patrick Flynn
From the acclaimed children’s book by April Genevieve Tucholke, Beatrice Likes the Dark is an imaginative production that blends magic, music, shadow play, and heartfelt storytelling in a celebration of curiosity, courage, and connection. When Beatrice casts a spell for endless darkness, she discovers that even the things we fear most can become beautiful when brought into the light. Overflowing with wonder, humor, and theatrical ingenuity, Beatrice Likes the Dark is a luminous reminder that families — and communities — shine brightest when every voice belongs.
FROSTY THE SNOW MAN
November 21, 2026–January 3, 2027
by William Francis
Directed by Danny Tippett
Do you want to build a snow man? How about watching him spring to life in front of you for one day of adventures before he melts away? In this merry wintertime romp, chock-full of chuckles and comic antics, Frosty gallops into the hearts of kids and adults alike — even the heart of one skeptical cop — through his uproarious antics.
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
February 5–March 13, 2027
Book by Timothy Allen McDonald
Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Based on the book by Roald Dahl
Directed by Kurt Boehm
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion which results in a tremendous peach — and launches a journey of enormous proportions. This wickedly fun show features a tuneful score by the Tony Award-nominated team of Pasek and Paul and a curiously quirky book by Timothy Allen McDonald.
IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE
April 9–May 23, 2027
Based on the book by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Adapted for the stage by Jody Davidson
Directed by Erin Weaver
With a bag of cookies and a good spot in the yard to read his comic book, Boy was ready for a perfectly peaceful day. But then…Mouse came. He may be adorable but he is full of questions. And energy. And he’s hungry. What can Boy do but give Mouse a cookie? Wouldn’t you do the same thing? But, if you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to want a glass of milk…Jody Davidson’s adaptation is a mayhem and mishap-filled joyride for all audiences!
BOB MARLEY’S THREE LITTLE BIRDS
June 25–August 22, 2027
Based on the story by Cedella Marley
Music & Lyrics by Bob Marley
Adapted for the stage by Michael J. Bobbitt
Additional music & lyrics by John L. Cornelius, II
Directed by Ashleigh King
Ah…yasso nice! Three little birds sing their sweet songs to Ziggy, a very shy child who is happy to see the world from the TV in his room. But his tricky friend Nansi wants him to get out and enjoy the Island of Jamaica. But Ziggy is afraid of hurricane, mongoose and evil spirits. Their worldly adventure is enlivened by the fantastic songs of renowned Reggae artist, Bob Marley. Roots, Rock, Reggae!
ABOUT ADVENTURE THEATRE MTC
Located in Glen Echo Park (Glen Echo, MD) and with an Academy in Wintergreen Plaza (Rockville, MD), Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC) educates and inspires new generations of theater artists and audiences with exceptional theatrical experiences.
