Last Stop on Market Street

Get ready for a heart-thumpin’, toe-tappin’ joy ride in this Motown/hip-hop musical adaptation of New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning picture book Last Stop on Market Street! CJ is reluctantly staying with his Nana, in a world considerably different from the one he’s used to, always plugged in to his phone and tablet. The uncompromising child is dragged on a bus ride that’s loud and gritty and weird. Guided by his veritable force-of-nature Nana, CJ travels a little closer to his roots and sees that things are not always what they seem. With a spectacular, spirited score by Motown legend Lamont Dozier and his son Paris Ray Dozier, you might find yourself dancing in your seat as you enjoy this vibrant story about connecting to your community.

“Last Stop on Market Street is what children’s theater should be. It does not talk down to its audience. It is burgeoning with wonder. If you are a kid, you’ll giggle yourself silly. If you were once a kid, you just might remember what that felt like.” – Chicago Sun Times
“Like Hamilton for kids” – Minneapolis Star Tribune

By Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Christian Robinson
Adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West
Music and Lyrics by Lamont Dozier and Paris Ray Dozier
Digital Recording and Underscoring by Paris Ray Dozier
Originally commissioned and produced by Chicago Children’s Theatre
and the Children’s Theatre Company
Director: Jacqueline Thompson
Artistic Director: Julia Flood
Music Director: Phil Woodmore
Choreographer/Movement Director: Christopher Page-Sanders

Best for ages 5 and up. The production is approximately 70 minutes with no intermission.

Themes of Last Stop on Market Street: musical, hip hop, soul, gospel, and rap music, inspirational, humor, thankfulness, appreciation of differences, giving back, empathy, digital divide

Illustration by Christian Robinson
From the book Last Stop on Market Street © 2015
Published by the Penguin Group

In-person and virtual school field trips also available. For more information, please contact School Bookings and Audience Services Manager, Eleanor Marsh.
Call 314.325.9505

Email [email protected] (As staff continues to work remotely, email is preferred.)