A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE

Children's Letters to God

Full-Length Musical, Comedy  /  2w, 3m

Book by Stuart Hample
Music by David Evans
Lyrics by Douglas J. Cohen

Based on the international best-selling book by Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall

Based on the international bestselling book by Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall, Children's Letters To God is a musical that follows the lives of five young friends as they voice beliefs, desires, questions and doubts common to everyone, but most disarmingly expressed by children.

Children's Letters to God

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    75 Minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptations (Literature), Theatre for Young Audiences, Christmas/Holiday, Faith-based
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for all audiences
Accolades
Accolades
  • Nominee! 2005 Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Lyrics
    Douglas J. Cohen is the 2010 recipient of the Fred Ebb Award for Musical Theatre Songwriting

Details

Summary
Based on the international best-selling book by Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall, Children's Letters To God is a musical that follows the lives of five young friends as they voice beliefs, desires, questions and doubts common to everyone, but most disarmingly expressed by children. Sixteen tuneful songs and assorted scenes (some based on actual letters) explore timeless issues such as sibling rivalry, divorce, holidays, loss of a beloved pet, the trials of being unathletic and first love. This entertaining show carries a universal message crossing the boundaries of age, geography and religion.

As in the bestselling book, the musical is not specifically religious in nature. It's about kids and various events in their lives that lead them to ask a lot of questions – some funny, some serious, some surprising.
History

Children's Letters to God made two world premieres, at Lyric Stage of Dallas and Harwich Junior Theatre, both of which garnered rave reviews. On June 30, 2004, the show made its Off-Broadway premiere at the Lamb's Theatre, where it enjoyed a successful six-month run.

JOANNA – 13, bright, responsible, and romantic, she is often forced to take care of her intrusive little brother, Kicker, who at times drives everyone crazy. She's in the same class as Brett, on whom she has her heart set. (Range: G3-Eb5)
KICKER– 9, Joanna's brother, imaginative, questions everything, often feels powerless because he's the youngest and the smallest in the group. (Range: G2-Eb4)
BRETT– 13, a doubter, sometimes a tad cocky to cover his insecurity, parents divorced. His prized possession is a baseball cap, covered with a variety of pins from special places, which he wears at all times. (Range: G2-A4)
IRIS– 11, passionately in love with her pet turtle, Arnold. Tends to over-dramatize herself and has a secret crush on Brett. (Range: G3-Eb5)
THEO– 11, about to celebrate his 12th birthday. Totally inept physically, but is happy he is not as physically inept as Kicker. Would fervently like to be an athlete/hero. Wears glasses. (Range: G2-Eb4)

Can be performed by age appropriate children or young adults. Gender substitutions possible and cast can also be expanded. The role of KICKER has often been played by a girl.  

Can be performed by age appropriate children or young adults. Gender substitutions possible and cast can also be expanded. The role of KICKER has often been played by a girl.  

  • Time Period Present Day
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No intermission
  • Duration 75 Minutes
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

“Whimsical and charming family-oriented production about the innocent joys and sometimes simple sorrows of growing up.” – New York Daily News

Children's Letters to God has a sweet, warm heart, the appealing lyrics of Douglas J. Cohen and the music of David Evans and the innate humor of its source material [by Stuart Hample].” – The New York Times

“Looking for a show for kids AND adults? This one might be the answer to your prayers!” – WCBS TV

“Clever, funny and musically hip!” – Broadwayworld.com

“Cheery and uplifting as a live-action Charlie Brown special.” – New York Post

“FIRST-CLASS LETTERS! Delightful, funny, and touching stage adaptation.” – Dallas Morning News

“A heartfelt, high energy GEM!” – Cape Cod Times

Videos

  • "I Know" (2020 Cast Reunion) youtube thumbnail

    "I Know" (2020 Cast Reunion)

  • "Questions For The Rain" youtube thumbnail

    "Questions For The Rain"

  • "Six Hours as a Princess" - RCBC Theatre youtube thumbnail

    "Six Hours as a Princess" - RCBC Theatre

  • Children's Letters to God - Stage 1 Theatre Promo youtube thumbnail

    Children's Letters to God - Stage 1 Theatre Promo

Music

Song Samples

Questions, Questions
Thirteen
Questions for the Rain
Six Hours as a Princess
When I am in Charge
Silly Old Hat
How Come
I Know

1. “Prologue/Questions, Questions” – Company
2. “Thirteen” – Brett
3. “Arnold” – Iris and Company
4. “Like Everybody Else” – Theo and Company
5. “Questions for the Rain” – Iris and Company
6. “Ants” – Kicker
7. “A Simple Holiday Song” – Company
8. “Six Hours as a Princess” – Joanna
9. “An Only Child” – Kicker and Joanna
10. “When I Am in Charge” – Company
11. Daydreams:

  • “I Will Not Dream in Class” – Joanna and Iris
  • “Daydreams, Part One” – Company
  • “Are You Happy with Me?” – Company
  • “Wyoming” – Brett
  • “Daydreams, Part Two” – Company

12. “Kicker Brown” – Theo
13. “Silly Old Hat” – Brett
14. “How Come?” – Company
15. “I Know” – Company
16. Bows: “I Know (Reprise)” – Company

This title is orchestrated for Piano Only.

Piano-Vocal (Acoustic Piano, Synthesizer)

  • Musical Style Classic Broadway, Pop/Rock
  • Vocal DemandsModerate
  • Orchestra Size Piano Only
  • Chorus Size Medium

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Music Rentals

Concord offers a full suite of resources to help you put on the show of a lifetime!
1 Piano-Vocal
5 Vocal Books

This title is orchestrated for Piano Only.

Scripts

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Authors

Douglas J. Cohen

Douglas Cohen received the 2010 Fred Ebb Award and two Richard Rodgers Awards for No Way To Treat A Lady (150 productions globally; Off-Broadway productions at Hudson Guild and York Theatre; Ghostlight Records on iTunes), and The Gig (workshops/readings: O’Neill, MTC Stage II ...

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Author

David Evans

Author

Stuart Hample

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