Pushcart Players

Pushcart Players is the award-winning professional theater and arts-in-education company for young audiences.  Since it’s founding in 1974, Pushcart has traveled over 2 million miles nationally and abroad, from the little red school house to White House. Nominated twice for an Emmy©, the organization is the recipient of numerous state and private accolades for excellence and innovation.  Pushcart Players' productions address social studies, literature, history, the autism spectrum, special educational needs, social emotional learning, and values clarification.  All performances by professional artists (Actors’ Equity Association) are supported by study guides and other supplemental materials, and adapt to any location with innovative scenery, lighting and sound systems.

We're back, and better than ever with our 2021-2022 Season! Pushcart is continuing to offer our virtual programming, as well as in-person performances.

LIVE or VIRTUAL OFFERINGS:

• "Stone Soup...And Other Stories" is a perfect introduction to the joy of theatre and to the concept that reading is fun! This charming musical compilation of favorite stories from Africa, India, Eastern Europe, and the United States of America is filled with music, fantasy and play, each tale introducing the spirit and customs of these unique cultures.
• "A Season of Miracles" is a multi-cultural collection of holiday tales that celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chanukah. Stories within this delightful musical include O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi, E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker, an original tale set in Nigeria entitled The Kwanzaa Kite and The Chanukah Miracle. Crafted and set to music with the timeless tone of each classic piece, this magical presentation warms the hearts – and perhaps changes the perspectives – of family audiences as they reflect on the true meaning and spirit of the holidays.
• Storytelling by Gerald Fierst: As one of America's most acclaimed storytellers, Mr. Fierst brings laughter, drama, participation, and surprises from a multi-cultural collection of folklore, literature, and original material.
• Musical Concerts by mr. RAY: Children's pop icon, mr. RAY, brings captivating performances to our youngest learners. His interactive shows feature his original songs, with messages of kindness, diversity, being creative, and staying healthy & active. Additionally, he performs family-friendly songs by the Beatles, Bob Marley, “This Land Is Your Land,” and many more. In January 2021, Ray became an official United Nations NGO (non-governmental) Representative of Pathways to Peace, on behalf of his musical work and messages.

VIRTUAL OFFERINGS:

• VIRTUAL ASSEMBLY: "Ellis Island: Gateway to America - A full video recording of this pre-recorded production is available to stream for viewing in school "assembly programs," in theaters, and at home.
• VIRTUAL CLASSROOM: "A More Pefect Union," is a musical celebrating the ordinary people and extraordinary events that lead to formulating the US Constitution. This pre-recorded production has been divided into 4 video segments. A lesson plan that corresponds with each segment can be used by teachers at their discretion, or can be accompanied by remote workshops with Pushcart teaching artists.

LIVE OFFERINGS:

• "Outta This World - Kalien the Alien" is the story of a visitor to Earth from another planet. This delightful story explores themes of anti-bullying, prejudice, friendship, and Social Emotional Learning.