Theatrical licensor Music Theatre International has made The Big One-Oh! JR. available for licensing after acquiring the TYA (theatre for young audiences) version of the title in 2019. Based on the children's novel of the same name by stage and screen songwriter Dean Pitchford (Footloose, Carrie The Musical), the work centers on Charley Maplewood, his group of imaginary monster friends, and a 10th birthday party that goes awry. The title is the newest member of MTI's Broadway JR. catalog, which adapts musicals expressly for young performers.
The Big One-Oh! JR. features lyrics by Pitchford, music by Tony-winning orchestrator Doug Besterman, and a book by Timothy Allen McDonald (James and the Giant Peach, Between the Lines). The piece's TYA version, intended to be performed by adults for young audiences, had its world premiere at Off-Broadway's Atlantic Theater Company in 2019.
"Dean’s clever lyrics and touching underlying source material, coupled with Doug’s rousing score and Tim’s heartfelt book make The Big One-Oh JR. an ideal musical for young performers," says MTI President and CEO Drew Cohen. "There are plenty of opportunities for fun ‘stage magic’ in this musical. We can’t wait to see how theatres around the country bring their creativity and new ideas to this monster of a musical.”
"We wrote The Big One-Oh! JR. specifically for young people to perform," adds McDonald. "This gives kids all over the world a chance to tell a story about someone their own age and solve problems near and dear to their daily lives. Because of that, there’s built in truth to their storytelling which I find endlessly charming."
"Creating The Big One-Oh! JR. with Tim and Doug was one of the most joyous theatrical experiences of my career, second only to the opportunity I’ve had to watch thrilled audiences react to our show with laughter, tears and cheers," shares Pitchford.
Along with live performances, The Big One-Oh! JR. is available for live stream, video on demand, and remote performance licensing.
For more information, visit MTIShows.com.
