
Make Way For Ducklings
the Musical
February 17th – March 12th, 2023
Book by Sandra B. Eskin and Michael J. Bobbitt Music and Lyrics by William Yanesh
Adapted for the stage by Sandra B. Eskin and Michael J. Bobbitt
Based on the book by Robert McCloskey
World Premiere in partnership Adventure Theatre MTC
Directed by Emily Ranii
Music Direction by Jon Goldberg
Choreography by Joy Clark
Bostonians will be enchanted with the Mallard duck family as this classic tale leaps off the stage and soars into their hearts. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are exhausted from their search for a starter home when they land in the Boston Public Garden as a potential home. When the ducklings begin to explore the world around them, the challenges of parenthood in the busy Boston environment create a fun bit of family drama. A classic story for all ages, this New England premiere musical celebrates family, Boston, children and the beings who make an unfamiliar place a home.
Recommended for ALL ages
Learn more here
Run Time: 70 minutes with no intermission

Accessibility Performance Dates:
March 5th, 2023 at 2pm
March 9th, 2023 at 10:30am (Student Matinee)
March 11th, 2023 at 2pm
For more information on Accessibility, please click here.
Please review WFT@BU Covid-19 Protocols before purchasing a ticket. More information may be found here.
Learn more about WFT Student Matinees here.
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Every Bostonian, young and old, will immediately be transcended to the days of their youth with the Mallard duck family, as this classic tale leaps off the stage and back into their hearts. This utterly sweet tale follows the journey of the Mallard duck family searching for their forever home in the heart of Boston, MA. While every new location brings another obstacle, the Mallard family never loses hope on their journey. From the Boston Public Garden to the Charles River, the ducklings brave the unknown elements with panache and a sense of humor. Everyone watching will be delighted by the heart of Boston shining through in every scene and song.
Co-Commissioned by Adventure Theatre MTC in Glen Echo, Maryland (Chil Kong, Artistic Director & Leon Seemann, Managing Director) and Wheelock Family Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts (Emily Ranii, Artistic Director & Nick Vargas, Associate Artistic/Education Director) in 2020.
Make Way for Ducklings© 1941 Robert McCloskey. Published by Penguin Books. The producers gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and permission of Jane and Sarah McCloskey in making this production possible.
Watch a Read-Along of the book!
Cast info coming soon!
Stay tuned for more designers soon!

Emily Ranii
Director

Jon Goldberg
Music Director

Joy Clark
Choreographer

Steven Doucette
Props Designer
Stay tuned for more designers soon!

Cori Couture
Primary Audio Describer

Alyse Jessica Clinton
Open Caption

Andrea Doane
Audio Describer Mentor

Kelly S. Kim
ASL Coach

Gamalia Pharms
Secondary Audio Describer



Alphabetical by last name. Click on a name to learn more!


Becky Bass*
Mrs. Mallard

Adeline DeFeo
Mack

Maia Ettinger
Pack

Aaron Graham
Ensemble/Quack/Understudy Michael

Erin Grimm
Ouack

Charlie Hertz
Understudy Kack/Mack

Ricardo “Ricky” Holguin*
Officer Michael/Mick/Captain Mike/Bostonian

Anthony Hu
Jack

Janis Hudson
Understudy Mrs. Mallard

Leah Jackson
Mack

Sadie Johnson
Kack

Lisa Kate Joyce
Ensemble/Nack

Echo Kaufman
Lack

Sullivan McStravick
Pack

Ash Quasney-Sandler
Jack

Brad Reinking
Understudy Mr. Mallard/Ensemble
Stay tuned for more designers!

Emily Ranii
Director

Jon Goldberg
Music Director

Joy Clark
Choreographer

Steven Doucette
Props Designer

Kathleen Doyle
Costume Designer

Lindsay Hoisington
Costume Coordinator

Stephen J. Petrilli
Lighting Designer

Mehdi Raoufi
Sound Designer

Alyse Jessica Clinton
Open Caption

Ruth Kahn
Primary Audio Describer

Gamalia Pharms
Secondary Audio Describer
Check out resources and photos from our 2020 Virtual Workshop production of Make Way for Ducklings!



Every Bostonian, young and old, will immediately be transcended to the days of their youth with the Mallard duck family, as this classic tale leaps off the stage and back into their hearts. This utterly sweet tale follows the journey of the Mallard duck family searching for their forever home in the heart of Boston, MA. While every new location brings another obstacle, the Mallard family never loses hope on their journey. From the Boston Public Garden to the Charles River, the ducklings brave the unknown elements with panache and a sense of humor. Everyone watching will be delighted by the heart of Boston shining through in every scene and song.
Co-Commissioned by Adventure Theatre MTC in Glen Echo, Maryland (Chil Kong, Artistic Director & Leon Seemann, Managing Director) and Wheelock Family Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts (Emily Ranii, Artistic Director & Nick Vargas, Associate Artistic/Education Director) in 2020.
Make Way for Ducklings© 1941 Robert McCloskey. Published by Penguin Books. The producers gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and permission of Jane and Sarah McCloskey in making this production possible.
Watch a Read-Along of the book!
Coming soon!
Watch the Character & Scenery Description
Read the Social Story
Coming soon!