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.

NOW STREAMING!

Visit Broadway On Demand to view A Kids Play About Racism. Streaming through August 2.

CAST

Becky Bass*
Mrs. Mallard

Aaron Graham
Ensemble/Ouack/Understudy Michael

Erin Grimm
Quack

Charlie Hertz
Understudy Kack/Mack

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

Anthony Hu
Jack

Janis Hudson
Understudy Mrs. Mallard

Lisa Kate Joyce
Ensemble/Nack

Brad Reinking
Understudy Mr. Mallard/Ensemble

PRODUCTION TEAM

Paige D’Ambrosio
Assistant Stage Manager

Shauwna Dias Grillo
Production Stage Manager

Lindsay Hoisington
Costume Coordinator

Gg Martel
Production Manager

Lily Mittnight
Child Guardian

Jackie Olivia
Costume Construction

Eun Jeong Paik
Child Guardian, Deck Captain

Bekah Rudinec
Audio Engineer

Evan Dana Shuster
Technical Director

Rosie Ward
Dialect Coach

Dr. Farai Williams
Equity Consultant

CREATIVE TEAM

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

James Rotondo III
Scenic Designer

Lawrence Ware
Lead Electrician

Shamus
Associate Director

ACCESS TEAM

Alyse Jessica Clinton
Open Caption

Dave Heard
Secondary Audio Describer

Gamalia Pharms
Primary Audio Describer

Kelly S. Kim
ASL Coach

ADAPTORS

Michael J. Bobbitt
Co-Playwright

Sandra Eskin
Co-Playwright

William Yanesh
Music & Lyrics

ABOUT THE SHOW
Courtesy of WBUR.org

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.

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP - 2020

Check out resources and photos from our 2020 Virtual Workshop production of Make Way for Ducklings!

Read the Social Story

Virtual Learning Guide

Click here to visit.

BEHIND THE SCENES