Book, Music, and Lyrics by Scott Elmegreen
Based on The New York Times best-selling children’s book series by author Annie Barrows and Illustrator Sophie Blackall, Ivy + Bean, The Musical is the story of an unexpected friendship between two very different second graders. The moment they saw each other, Bean and Ivy knew they would never like each other. Bean is loud and wild and goofy. Ivy is quiet and full of ideas. But when Bean plays a joke on her sister, and needs a place to hide, Ivy comes to the rescue. When the two become a team, there’s mischief and laughter at every turn—along with lessons to be learned about the challenges and joy of family, friendship, and love.
“A wry, rollicking show with infectious spirit. Directed with breathless energy, the magic of Ivy and Bean thoroughly enchants.” – Laurel Graeber, The New York Times
“Ivy+Bean is a phenomenon. Just the sort of thing to get impressionable kids keen on reading. Or, in the case of Oregon Children’s Theatre’s bright and sassy new production Ivy + Bean: The Musical, keen on watching and listening. Perusing Barrows’ book, with its quick and irreverent drawings by Sophie Blackall, didn’t prepare me for the bright and clattering pleasure this thing could be onstage. I+B: The Musical is about as much fun as a blood oath signed in spit. And if you don’t think that sounds fun, just try to recall your 8-year-old self. I would go to this eagerly oddball, breezily funny show even if I didn’t have a kid in tow. Come to think of it, that’s exactly what I did.” – Bob Hicks, Oregon ArtsWatch
“The innocence of childhood is alive and well in Ivy+Bean, The Musical. Set to a catchy score by Scott Elmegreen, this was a perfect young best friend musical. Great for young audiences.” – Kimberly Moy, Broadwayworld.com
Perusal inquiries and licensing: Theatrical Rights Worldwide
Title photo credit: Kevin Berne