“Chicka chicka boom boom! Will there be enough room?” This playful question has sparked curiosity and delight in generations of children, inviting young readers to follow the alphabet on a rousing adventure up a coconut tree. With its catchy rhythm and colorful graphics, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom has become a cherished family classic that turns learning the alphabet into an entertaining celebration. Decades after its publication, the story continues to captivate audiences with its contagious energy and simple, timeless appeal.
Now the beloved 1989 children’s book (written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, with illustrations by Lois Ehlert) is coming to life onstage in a national touring theatrical adaptation, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical. Originally developed and produced by the Seattle Children’s Theatre, where the musical premiered in 2025, this production can currently be seen at Imagination Stage. Written and directed by Nina Meehan (with music and lyrics by Austin Zumbro), the musical features a bubbly score, dazzling visuals, and rhythmic dancing. Imagination Stage is one of just six theaters nationwide to host the tour — what an incredible honor!
From the moment the show begins, it’s clear that Chicka Chicka Boom Boom translates surprisingly well as a musical. Zumbro’s unforgettable score is wonderfully performed by a talented five-member ensemble, and Mark Rabe’s expert musical direction shines through in the cast’s performances. Drew Bates (Player 1), Grace Lord (Player 2), Delvin James (Player 3), Kelly Lomonte (Player 4 at the reviewed performance), and Nalica Hennings (Player 5) each excelled both as soloists and as a chorus. This versatile group impressively navigated a vast array of musical styles, ranging from upbeat pop to mellow madrigals. In addition to their musical talents, the cast also engaged the room with exuberance and enthusiasm. They delivered their lines with jolly character voices and led learning exercises with confidence.
The stage adaptation also succeeds in expanding the tale’s relatively simple premise without losing its childlike charm. Rather than simply recreating the book, the play brings the characters together as they interact, learn, and overcome challenges. The result is a production that feels accessible to young children while offering enough variety to appeal to accompanying adults. Audience participation further enhances the play, transforming spectators into active participants in the adventure. These interactive moments never interrupt the storytelling but rather complement it and reinforce the show’s emphasis on learning through play.
Jeffrey Cook’s vivid sets remained faithful to Lois Ehlert’s legendary illustrations while also injecting originality and imagination. His creations beautifully complemented Gwendolyn Cubbage’s lighting design, which cast an incandescent glow across glittering curtains and set pieces. The vibrant costumes, designed by Danielle Nieves, outfitted the cast in neon patterns that perfectly matched the cheerful tone of the show. Several of her designs creatively incorporated letters into the patterns, ingeniously furthering the alphabet motif. Kelly Lomonte’s choreography was well-timed to the music, focusing on simple movements that enhanced each song while never upstaging the story.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical at Imagination Stage is a unique opportunity to experience the delightful alphabet tale in live action, bringing the whimsical story’s technicolor world, infectious beat, and charming characters off the page and onto the stage. With its spirited music, animated performances, eye-popping visuals, and plenty of opportunities for young audience members to join in the fun, the production captures the spirit of the original book while giving it a fresh theatrical life. Whether audience members are longtime fans of the classic or are encountering the story for the first time, there is plenty of room for everyone to climb aboard this joyful journey up the coconut tree!
Running Time: 60 minutes with no intermission.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical plays Saturday and Sunday matinees through October 18, 2026, at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD. Tickets (starting at $16) can be purchased online, in person at the Imagination Stage box office, or by calling 301-280-1660.
Best for ages 3 to 9.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical
Written and directed by Nina Meehan
Music/lyrics by Austin Zumbro
Produced by Third Wish Productions
Originally Developed & Produced by Seattle Children’s Theatre
