Script and Lyrics by Adam Tobin
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Adapted from the book written by Chelsea Clinton and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
Published by Philomel Books
Synopsis
Naomi’s fourth-grade trip to the museum turns into a time-travelling adventure where she gets to meet inspirational women overcoming barriers and making history.
History
She Persisted: The Musical was commissioned by Bay Area Children’s Theatre and premiered in February 2019 under the direction of Khalia Davis, with music direction by Erica Maier D’Ambrosio. It next enjoyed a celebrated Off-Broadway run at the Atlantic Theater Company in 2020.
“An exuberant, time-traveling history lesson that instills confidence! The optimistic takeaway for the youngest generation is clear: Persevere. You’ve got this.” – Laura Collins-Hughes, The New York Times
The cast of Bay Area Children’s Theatre. Photo Credit: Alessandra Mello
“A piece of children’s theatre that is both entertaining and relevant. The show leaves us with an unforgettable rallying cry: “We insist, we resist, nevertheless we persist!” – Jordan Freed, Theatrius
Auberth Bercy and Amber Jaunai at the Atlantic Theatre Company. Photo Credit: Ahron R. Foster
Production Elements
Cast: 6 Women
Heather Sawyer, Auberth Bercy, Amber Jaunai, Jianzi Colón-Soto, Cynthia Nesbit and Amanda Corday. Photo Credit: Ahron R. Foster
Actress 1 (African American): NAOMI, 10
Actress 2 (Asian American): MS. CHAN and TIME, a child
Actress 5: (Caucasian): DR. VIRGINIA APGAR, SALLY RIDE and ensemble
Actress 6: (African American): RUBY BRIDGES and ensemble
Gabriela Momah and Loreigna Hawkins at Bay Area Children’s Theatre. Photo Credit: Alessandra Mello
Music: Various styles. Scored for Piano, Violin, Guitar, Bass and Drums. Accompaniment tracks available. Musical Difficulty: Moderate Technical Requirements: Minimal
Suggested Audience: Young Audiences/Families
“Inspirational! A call to action for families raising young feminists, She Persisted celebrates real-life sheroes while demonstrating that everyone has the power to make a difference.” – Raven Snook, Time Out New York
Authors
Adam Tobin (book and lyrics) is a writer, improvisor, and teacher. He is a Senior Lecturer teaching television and screenwriting in the Film & Media Studies Program at Stanford University. Before coming to Stanford, he received an MFA in screenwriting from USC School of Cinematic Arts and worked in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles and New York. He created and produced the half-hour comedy series About a Girl and the reality series Best Friends’ Date for Viacom’s The-N network (now TeenNick). Tobin won an Emmy for writing on Discovery Channel’s Cash Cab, has worked in script development for Jim Henson Pictures, and for the entertainment division of the National Basketball Association. He also teaches improvisation and has taught script development at animation studios Twentieth Century Fox/Blue Sky Studios, Aardman Animation, and Dreamworks Animation.