2026-2027 Studio Season
From MTI:
Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure!
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”
Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft. This show is a perfect opportunity to showcase a strong, iconic female performer, as well as unique special effects and illusions.
Auditions/Callbacks: October 2-4, 2026
Performances: Dec. 11-13, 18-20, 2025 (two weekends)
Ages: 8-19
Location: Maddox Theatre, Rockford University
From MTI:
In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”
Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid offers a fantastic creative opportunity for rich costumes and sets, as well as the chance to perform some of the best-known songs from the past 30 years.
Auditions/Callbacks: January 8-10, 2027
Performances: March 12-14, and March 19-21, 2027 (two weekends) (Could possibly include School Day Matinees on Thursday, March 11 and Thursday, March 18th)
Ages: 8-19 (this will change if a specific 8-9 show is announced)
Location: Maddox Theatre, Rockford University
From MTI:
The pint-sized, pinstriped classic is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the gangster films of the 1920s.
Based on the hit 1976 film starring a preteen Scott Baio and Jodi Foster, and featuring a catchy, swinging score by the composer of The Muppet Movie, Bugsy Malone is good, clean, comedic fun!
Two gangs comprised completely of children, square off in a 1920s rivalry of Capone-ian standards. Dandy Dan’s gang has gotten the upper hand since obtaining the “splurge” gun (a weapon that shoots whipped cream). Now, Fat Sam and his bumbling buffoons are in real trouble! Bugsy Malone, a one-time boxer, is thrust not-so-willingly into the gangster limelight when he becomes the last chance that Fat Sam’s gang has of surviving. All Bugsy really wants to do is spend time with his new love, Blousey, but that just isn’t in the cards for our hero.
Bugsy Malone is a master class in musical comedy. The libretto tosses the reader into uproarious laughter without even being staged. Imagine how delightful it is when it’s brought to life! Not to mention, Bugsy Malone is a fantastic choice for school groups and programs with a large talent pool of young performers.
Auditions/Callbacks: April 9-11, 2027
Performances: June 18-20, 25-27, 2027 (two weekends)
Location: Maddox Theatre, Rockford University
Ages: 8-14
From MTI:
A hilarious farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers, and an eccentric Major-General.
Set sail with this classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. A fresh take on one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comic operas, this updated version of The Pirates of Penzance took New York by storm when it premiered in Central Park in 1980, leading to a subsequent smash-hit Broadway run.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious, hopeful farce follows young Frederic, an orphan who has mistakenly been apprenticed to an ineffectual but raucous band of pirates. He disavows the pirates’ way of life and falls for the beautiful Mabel. Frederic’s melodious tones win over the heart of Major-General Stanley’s songbird daughter, Mabel, but when the Pirate King discovers that General Stanley has lied about being an orphan to keep the pirates from stealing all of his belongings and carrying off his bevy of beautiful daughters, an “ingenious paradox” may prevent the budding romance and lead to the death of “The very model of a modern Major-General.”
The beauty, wit and whimsy of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic score is suffused with a modern sensibility, making this version an excellent choice for opera and light opera companies looking to expand their audience base. The sheer number of memorable roles makes it perfect for community and school groups. And with production requirements consisting of only two sets and a medium-sized orchestra, The Pirates of Penzance should be considered by any company featuring comic actors with excellent singing voices.
Auditions/Callbacks: May 7-9, 2027
Performances: July 23-25, July 30-August 1, 2027
Location: Maddox Theatre, Rockford University
Ages: 15+
