
Get ready to spin, laugh, and celebrate the joys of being a kid!
By Thelma Lynne Goodin
Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Stage adaptation by
Gloria Bond Clunie
Directed by
Jaronzie Harris
Originally Commissioned and Produced by
Childsplay, Inc., Tempe, AZ & Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD
April 17 – May 15, 2027
Run Time: Approximately 80 minutes, with an intermission
Recommended: Ages 6 and up
Access Performances: May 2 at 2pm, May 6 at 10:30am, May 8 at 2pm
Stay tuned for more information about single tickets & student matinee performances.
About the Show
Set in a lively Harlem neighborhood filled with rhythm, color, and community, The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen follows ten-year-old Kameeka as she prepares for a neighborhood hula-hooping contest and dreams of becoming the best on her block. With determination, imagination, and a little friendly competition, she sets her sights on the prize.
But as the day unfolds, Kameeka begins to discover that growing up isn’t just about winning, it’s about showing up for others, learning from the people around you, and understanding what truly matters. Surrounded by a vibrant community of friends, neighbors, and mentors, she starts to see herself in a new way.
A joyful and energetic celebration of childhood, The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen captures the spirit of the courage to begin through everyday moments, trying something new, making things right, and believing in yourself. It’s a story that invites audiences to laugh, connect, and recognize the power of community in helping us grow.
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Wheelock Family Theatre will offer student matinee performances for this production, designed to engage elementary-aged audiences and connect directly to classroom learning. Each visit is supported by study guides and resources that help deepen understanding and spark meaningful discussion before and after the performance. These performances provide a memorable opportunity for students to experience live theatre in a welcoming, accessible environment. Student matinee registration will open by early June 2026. Click here to learn more.
Accessibility

Wheelock Family Theatre is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience for all audiences. Each production is designed with accessibility in mind, offering features such as open captioning at every performance, assisted listening devices, and accessible seating throughout the theatre. Select performances also include American Sign Language interpretation and audio description. From social stories to sensory-friendly supports, we strive to ensure that every child and family can fully engage in the experience of live theatre. Click here to learn more about accessibility at Wheelock Family Theatre.
“THE HULA-HOOPIN’ QUEEN. Text copyright © 2014 by Thelma Lynne Godin. Illustrations copyright © 2014 by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Stage Play copyright © 2022 by Gloria Bond Clunie. Permission arranged with LEE & LOW BOOKS Inc., New York, NY 10016. All rights reserved. Learn more at leeandlow.com.
Accessibility Performances:
TO BE ADDED
For more information on Accessibility, please click here.
Janelle Grace*
Mr. Arable, Gander, Judge
David Jiles Jr.*
Mr. Zuckerman, Sheep, Uncle
Anna (AK) Kovaz
Fern
Malik Mitchell*
Wilbur
Gray Oliveira
Avery, Photographer
Tader Shipley
Mrs. Arable, Goose, Judge
Anna Slate
Charlotte
Lisa Tucker*
Lurvy, Templeton, Announcer at the Fair
Stephen Caliskan
Understudy Wilbur, Mr. Arable, Mr. Zuckerman
Maria Isabel Espinal Lopez
Understudy Fern
Julian Hirshfield
Understudy Avery
Hannah Shihdanian
Understudy Charlotte, Lurvy, Mrs. Arable, et al
Baby Spiders
Audrey Awad
Baby Spider w/ Lines
Meira Belenky
Baby Spider w/ Lines
Chava Belenky
Baby Spider
Claire Castro
Gosling/Leader Spider
Bennett Cirasuolo
Baby Spider w/ Lines
Skylenis Cruz
Baby Spider w/ Lines
Josie Mishelle Dixon
Gosling/Leader Spider
Eloise Doré
Baby Spider
Ramona “Momo” McCloskey Feller
Baby Spider
Miriam FitzGerald
Baby Spider
Naima FitzGerald
Baby Spider w/ Lines
Emmett Gibbons
Baby Spider
Richey Gibbons
Gosling/Leader Spider
Zoie Gibbons
Baby Spider w/ Lines
Sloane Viola Goodnight
Baby Spider
Zora Laurent
Baby Spider w/ Lines
Maia Martinez-Kratzig
Baby Spider
Charlie McGovern
Baby Spider w/ Lines
Orla McKinnon
Baby Spider
Nora Rejman
Baby Spider w/ Lines
Pippa June Roderick
Baby Spider
Golden Snape
Gosling/ Leader Spider
Thomas Tedaldi
Gosling/ Leader Spider
Clare Warren
Gosling/ Leader Spider
Ilyse Robbins
Director & Choreographer
Dan Rodriguez
Composer
Sophia Baramidze
Costume Designer
Shelley Barish
Scenic Designer
Daniel Begin
Associate Director
Liz Diamond
Assistant Stage Manager
Fanni Horváth
Stage Manager
Maggie Kearnan
Scenic Charge Artist
Iaslyn Lewis
Assistant Stage Manager
Jenn Morris
Youth Supervisor
Nate Morrissey
Production Electrician
Isaak Olson
Lighting Designer
Bekah Rudinec
Audio Engineer, Associate Sound Designer
Sarabeth Spector
Props Designer
Keith Smykil
Associate Scenic Designer
*Indicates a member of Actors’ Equity Association
Alyse Clinton
Open Caption Formatter/Social Story
Takiyah “Taki” Harris
Director of Artistic Sign Language
Ruth C. Kahn
Pre-Show Audio Describer
Jess Meyer
ASL Interperter
Gamalia Pharms
In-Show Audio Describer



