Based on the beloved children’s book by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, with illustrations by Lois Ehlert, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical brings the iconic alphabet adventure to life in a vibrant theatrical celebration of language, music, and imagination. The production is written and directed by Nina Meehan, with original music by Austin Zumbro.
When the letters of the alphabet race up the coconut tree, chaos, comedy, and rhythm take over the stage. Loved by generations of families and educators, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom has sold more than 34 million copies worldwide and remains a cornerstone of early childhood literacy.
In this lively stage adaptation, a troupe of playful Players brings the story to life through toe-tapping songs, physical comedy, and dance. Along the way, audiences join the fun by clapping, calling back, filling in the blanks, and even helping the letters pick themselves up after their famous crash. With surprises like the pop-star group LMNOP, the capital-letter parents rushing to the rescue, and the always-last little z, each moment invites audiences to play along.
Perfect for family series and school matinees, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical delights younger audiences while entertaining older students and parents with musical variety, theatrical comedy, and clever wordplay.
The musical premiered at Seattle Children’s Theatre in September 2025, quickly becoming a hit with families and school audiences.
Listen to songs from the newly released Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Album now streaming here: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music
Follow the show online: @ChickaChickaMusical
Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook
Nina Meehan: Director, Book Writer
Nina Meehan (she/her) is an award-winning director and playwright creating theatrical experiences that resonate across generations. Her recent artistic work includes Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: The Musical (Pasek, Paul and McDonald), Wheels on the Bus, and the world-premiere of Grumpy Monkey, The Musical produced by Pasadena Playhouse. Nina’s work has reached over 1 million audience members worldwide. She specializes in adaptations, transforming cherished stories into dynamic theatrical experiences. She is a sought-after keynote speaker with a specialization in communication and creativity. Nina is a Doctoral Candidate in Creativity Studies and lives in Tahoe with her husband and three children.
Austin Zumbro: Composer and Lyrics
Austin Zumbro (he/him) stands as one of the most prolific writers and composers in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) over the past 15 years. With an impressive portfolio of over 30 plays and musicals, Zumbro has made significant contributions to children’s theater. His acclaimed works include Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site: the Musical, which earned the TBA Award for Best New Musical; Fly Guy: the Musical, licensed by the Susan Gurman Agency; and The Day the Crayons Quit: the Musical. Notably, his The Rainbow Fish Musical won the AATE Distinguished Play Award in 2020. His most recent success, Llama Llama, the Musical, has delighted audiences nationwide. Zumbro served as the resident playwright and composer at Bay Area Children’s Theatre for 12 years. He lives in Oakland, California with his two daughters (ages 5 and 3).
Seattle Children’s Theatre: Producer
Seattle Children’s Theatre is one of the country’s leading producers of theatre for young audiences, dedicated to empowering youth and families through professional, creative, and thought-provoking performances. www.sct.org
Third Wish Productions: Producer
Third Wish Productions is a new family-focused production company powered by the Tony-award winning team at P3 Productions. We are a collective of imaginative storytellers dedicated to creating connection through joyful, high-quality theatrical experiences for audiences of all ages–beginning with our youngest. Our work is rooted in wonder, inclusivity, and the transformative power of live storytelling. www.thirdwish.productions
Arlene Scanlan: Literary Advisor
Arlene Scanlan is the founder of Moxie Productions and a proud (and tiny but mighty!) award-winning Broadway producer for more than 21 years. Her work spans original musicals, plays, and adaptations that center storytelling, imagination, and heart. With a deep love for children’s media and live entertainment, Arlene brings her theatrical sensibility and production experience to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Live, helping transform this classic story into a vibrant, engaging stage experience for young audiences and their families.
Simon & Schuster: Publisher
Simon & Schuster is the proud publisher and owner of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the iconic picture book written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert. Since its debut in 1989, the book has become a beloved classic, delighting generations of children with its rhythmic language, playful alphabet adventure, and bold visual style. As the home of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Simon & Schuster is thrilled to see the story leap from the page to the stage in this joyful live production for young audiences.
Based on Chicka Chicka Boom Boom ©1989 by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, and Lois Ehlert. All rights reserved. Licensed by Moxie & Company, LLC.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the Musical is based on the #1 best-selling title for Simon & Schuster Publishing with over 34 million copies in print. There are 21 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom book titles in the series.
Throughout the show, audiences clap rhythms, shout out letters, and help the alphabet pick itself back up after the famous coconut tree crash. With lively songs, colorful characters, and playful theatrical surprises, the production keeps young audiences actively engaged while delighting teachers, parents, and older siblings alike.
2025/26 Tour Success
2025 World Premiere: Seattle Children’s Theatre
Over 10,000 tickets sold during its debut engagement
Sold-out run at The New Victory Theater (NYC)
Why Audiences Love This Show
Based on the #1 bestselling children’s book with 30+ million copies in print
Developed with Seattle Children’s Theatre, a national leader in Theatre for Young Audiences
Produced by Third Wish Productions, the family theatre division of Tony Award-winning P3 Productions
A perfect fit for family series and school matinees
High-energy music, dance, puppetry, and colorful characters
Audience participation that keeps young viewers actively engaged
Supports classroom learning in literacy and language arts
Accessible for Pre-K through elementary audiences while entertaining the whole family
This production reinforces classroom learning through engaging theatrical storytelling that supports:
Recommended Audience
Public Performances: All Ages
School Matinees: Pre-K through 3rd Grade (Ages 3–9)
Run Time: 60 minutes, no intermission
Seattle’s Child praised the production as “a vibrant new addition to the world of family theater… a reimagining that pops off the stage. Breathes fresh and new life into the story while still maintaining its bouncy and bright aesthetic.” - Read the full review
Teacher Reviews
Thank you so much for such a wonderful visit to the Ridgefield Playhouse. The Chicka Chicka Boom Boom show was the best show our classes have ever seen. The students were fully engaged throughout the show. The content of show was completely aligned with our language arts curriculum and current state standards. We teach letter names, sounds, blending, segmenting, story elements, retelling and social emotional learning. Thank you for such an amazing morning and a special memory for our students.
Our first grade students absolutely enjoyed the show. They were eager to share their favorite parts and talked about how they loved being able to participate and be a part of the show from their seats. The show fits into our curriculum because we are focusing on letter sounds and putting letter sounds together to make words. This show helped emphasize the idea that letters make sounds and when we put those sounds together, they make words! Both first grade classes watched the "Welcome Video" before attending the show. This helped the students know what to expect and review the expectations. When we arrived, students pointed out different parts that they saw in the video. Our students were SO excited to receive their own copy of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom! This was one of the most smooth field trips we have had!
Our five Kindergarten classes attended Chicka Chicka Boom Boom at the Ridgefield Playhouse today. They were so excited prior to the show, and equally excited after to tell their favorite part of the show. All teachers reported that their class LOVED it! My class went to Library class in the afternoon and told the librarian all about it! This show was aligned with our reading program-we begin Kindergarten teaching all 26 letters and sounds. We all read the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom book during our alphabet unit too! It was a perfect celebration event for all our hard work students have been doing in class learning their letters. Kindergarten at King Street Primary extends a HUGE thank you to all those involved who make this such a memorable experience for our students.
Thank you so incredibly much for such a wonderful learning experience. The show was so wonderful, we LOVED IT!!! It fits so perfectly with our Wit and Wisdom curriculum. The kindergarteners are learning about how they can enjoy and experience the world through their five senses. We are currently reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, so it was perfect. We watched the welcome video before we came, and I think it eased any fears of the unknown. The kids were very comfortable coming in and out of the playhouse. Our team seriously can’t thank you enough for such a wonderful experience. Thank you, thank you thank you.