The Hula-Hoopin' Queen Logo

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.

Season Membership Cropped

Get closer to the theatre you love!
Season Memberships unlock early access to tickets, flexible exchanges, and year-round savings, making it easier than ever to experience every moment with your family. Learn More.

3

Don’t miss a moment!
Premium Packages allow you to secure your seats to all three productions, save on tickets, and enjoy first access and exclusive perks for the ultimate season experience.
Learn More.

Student Matinee Field Trips logo

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

mwfd_jenna-corcoran_2023_3

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.

access

“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.

Memberships
Empty tab. Edit page to add content here.
Student Matinee Field Trips
3-Show Premium Packages
Empty tab. Edit page to add content here.
CAST

Janelle Grace*
Mr. Arable, Gander, Judge

David Jiles Jr.*
Mr. Zuckerman, Sheep, Uncle

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

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

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

Sam Weed
Baby Spider

Addie Williams
Baby Spider

Chelsea Xu
Baby Spider

PRODUCTION TEAM & CREW

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

ACCESS TEAM

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

Mikey Rose
Blind Consultant

Ember Spera
ASL Interperter

Jordan Whitlow
ASL Interperter