The Coterie Theatre, Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO
Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Megan Alrutz, Dramaturg
Based on the books by Mo Willems
Published by Music Theatre International.
Upcoming Productions
Children's Theatre of Charlotte, East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
John Waldron Arts Center, South Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN
Synopsis
It’s not easy being The Pigeon– you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Using an innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers, Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.
History
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! was commissioned and premiered by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on November 23rd, 2019 under the direction of Jerry Whiddon, with music direction by William Yanesh, and began touring the country in 2020. The premiere won the 2020 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Production – Theatre for Young Audiences.
“The giggles and guffaws zoom along at top speed, even as the bus breaks down in this genuinely riotous adaptation … a tasty hour-long concoction of silliness.” – Jane Horowitz, Broadway World
Musical Numbers
I NEVER GET TO DO ANYTHING - Pigeon
BUS DRIVER - Bus Driver and Pigeon
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN - Pigeon
CAN I DRIVE THE BUS? - Pigeon, Bus Driver, and Passengers
PANIC AT THE BUS STOP - Bus Driver and Passengers
I'M BROKEN - Pigeon and Bus Driver
KEEP FLAPPIN' - All
DO MY THING - Pigeon
CAN I FLY THE PLANE? - All
Listen to the original cast album on Apple Music or Spotify.
“’Delightfully, rip-roaringly, giggle-inducingly kid-friendly.” – Leslie Weisman, DC Metro Theatre Arts
Production Elements
Cast of 6
Actor 1: THE PIGEON – A snappy, sassy, and demanding bird who never gets what he wants, but that doesn’t mean he’ll ever stop trying. (Tenor)
Actor 2: THE BUS DRIVER – A professional who loves her work and, eventually, The Pigeon. Prides herself on ALWAYS being on time. (Alto/Mezzo belt)
Actor 3: HOT DOG VENDOR/PASSENGER:BUSINESS MAN/AIRPLANE ENGINE (Baritone)
Actor 4: DUCKLING/BUS ENGINE/BUS PUPPET/BUS DRIVER’S MOM/PUPPY/ (Alto)
Actor 5: CITY WORKER/PASSENGER: TEENAGER (Tenor)
Actor 6: PASSENGER: LITTLE OLD LADY (Mezzo Soprano)
Music: Rhythm and Blues, Funk, Disco, Swing, and Jazz score for Piano, Electric Guitar, Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone, Electric Bass, and Drums. Accompaniment tracks available.
Musical Difficulty: Intermediate
Technical Requirements: Minimal
Suggested Audience: Young Audiences/Families
Authors
Purchase
Listen to the original cast album on Apple Music or Spotify.
Request perusal materials from Music Theatre International.
