Not Your Mother’s Goose!, the world premiere children’s play now playing at Adventure Theatre,is a high-energy romp through beloved nursery rhymes — only this time, the characters come to life in the most unusual ways. Writers Michael J. Bobbitt and Sandra Eskin dive deep into the minds of nursery rhyme figures we’ve all known since our cradle days, revealing what makes them tick (or tock). The characters spring to action on cue, their antics unfolding as naturally as breathing.
The original script centers on the character of Hickory, a mouse who sends time into a tailspin when he neglects to set the town clock. When the audience is prompted to complete specific rhymes, they respond in perfect unison. But what if the well-worn stories were altered? (gasp!) What if Hickory didn’t run up the clock? What if it didn’t strike “one”? Once the expected doesn’t happen, it’s off to the races with zany scenarios and surprising insights into the intentions, behaviors, and identities of characters you thought you knew. This world premiere presents “nursery rhymes” in a brand-new light, pulling age-old routines out of tired ruts and setting them in a new groove. Over 20 nursery rhymes are mentioned or alluded to, adding to the brain-twisting rediscovery of characters and their playful situations.
While four main characters carry the show, it feels like the entire nursery rhyme world has moved into the prominent full-size work boot that nearly grazes the rafters on stage, and, along with a clock tower and a waterspout, makes up the bulk of the set. (Handiwork by scenic artists Megan Holden and Salem Clouse.)
The cast works together as a winning ensemble. Hannah Taylor plays Mary, Mary (and Bo Peep) as quite contrary, wielding her hooked staff through many hilarious episodes. Walker Vlahos is a physically nimble Jack (with a passive-aggressive unseen sister Jill), but he also pulls out plums with his thumb and has irresistible urges to jump over candlesticks. Irene Hamilton is the Itsy Spider in existential crisis about running up the spout only to be washed out by the rain. Hamilton embraces the physicality of the role, using her whole body to express the anguish of the spider.
And finally, Helen Hayes Award winner Ryan Sellers is Hickory the mouse, who is so tempted by tantalizingly fragrant cheese that he forgoes his clock duties, leading to time-altering chaos. Sellers exudes warmth and charisma with every movement and facial expression as the mouse goes through the stages of temptation, remorse, stealth, and determination.
Once Mother Goose, played with matronly panache by Martina Schabron, forgets how to rhyme, even loud hints from the audience don’t help. When day melts into night and the rhymes fall apart, the characters must work together to make things right, even if poor Humpty Dumpty never quite gets it together again. (Well, he was warned about that wall!)
Serge Seiden’s colorful direction supports a cohesive design team. Sound designer Kenny Neal’s opening jazz soundtrack immediately relaxes the mind and is reminiscent of the Charlie Brown animated shows that made history using adult sounds for family stories. Slapstick sounds throughout the production underscore the characters’ adventures. Resident props and puppet designer Andrea “Dre” Moore brings whimsy to the production through a steaming cow, and Paris Francesca’s costumes, from Hickory’s perky mouse ears to Mary’s frilly skirt, are a standout. Day turns to night and back to day again with ease thanks to Lynn Joslin’s lighting design.
More than a set of “fractured fairytales,” Not Your Mother’s Goose! captures the spirit of supposedly simple characters who are plopped into unexpected situations. What’s fascinating is watching the characters change course from despondent flailing to personal resolve, working together to get their lives back on track. This world premiere is a winner full of high jinks, winks, and laughter for all.
Running Time: 60 minutes with no intermission.
Not Your Mother’s Goose! plays through November 2, 2025 (Wednesday to Sunday at 11 AM; Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM) at Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC), 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD. Purchase tickets (general admission $26, with birthday party, group, and field trip rates available) online or by calling the box office at 301-634-2270.
COVID Safety: Masks are currently optional for Adventure Theatre for most performances.
Not Your Mother’s Goose!
By Michael J. Bobbitt & Sandra Eskin
Directed by Serge Seiden
CAST
Mother Goose: Martina Schabron
Itsy: Irene Hamilton
Mary: Hannah Taylor
Hickory: Ryan Sellers
Jack: Walker Vlahos
CREATIVE TEAM
Set Designer: Megan Holden
Lighting Designer: Lynn Joslin
Costume Designer: Paris Francesca
Sound Designer: Kenny Neal
Resident Props Designer & Puppet Designer: Andrea “Dre” Moore
Production Manager: Dom Ocampo
Stage Manager: Shannon Saulnier
Assistant Stage Manager: Brian Stopak
SEE ALSO:
Adventure Theatre to start 2025/26 season with wild goose chase in ‘Not Your Mother’s Goose!’ (news story, August 31, 2025)
