A Magical World Premiere at The Kennedy Center: The Sea Beyond the Ocean

The Kennedy Center is offering DC-area families a rare theatrical treat with the world premiere of The Sea Beyond the Ocean, a newly commissioned play that runs through March 15, 2026 in the Kennedy Center's intimate Family Theater.

The Sea Beyond the Ocean at The Kennedy Center

At the heart of the story is nine-year-old Scooter, a boy whose boundless imagination is matched only by his love for his ailing father. The two share a deep bond over a beloved fantasy book series by the mysterious author Poppy Carousel — but the final book was never finished. Determined to bring his dad some joy, Scooter sets off on a mission to track down Poppy and convince her to write the ending. What begins as a simple quest quickly becomes something far more wondrous when Scooter finds himself face-to-face with characters who have stepped straight out of the pages of Poppy's unfinished world.

Written by Doug Robinson and directed by Helen Hayes Award-winning director KenYatta Rogers, the production is a visually dazzling and emotionally resonant journey that works its magic on audiences of all ages. The show's world is brought to life through stunning costume design and an inventive set that transforms seamlessly from the familiar into the fantastical, pulling the audience deeper into the story with every scene.

The cast delivers across the board, led by Ty'Ree Hope Davis as the irresistible Scooter and Deidra LaWan Starnes as the compelling Poppy Carousel. The ensemble fills the production with warmth, humor, and heart, giving each character — whether real or imagined — a vivid and memorable presence on stage.

What makes The Sea Beyond the Ocean so special is how naturally it speaks to both children and grown-ups. Beneath the adventure and the whimsy lies a genuinely moving story about loss, connection, and the stories we hold onto together. It's the kind of theatre that gives families something to talk about long after they've left the building.

Running just 70 minutes with no intermission, this is a perfectly paced outing for younger theatregoers and their families. Note that the production uses haze and fog effects. The Sea Beyond the Ocean plays at the Kennedy Center's Family Theater, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC, through March 15, 2026. Don't miss this one before it's gone.