Freckleface Strawberry The Musical Delights Families at Adventure Theatre MTC

Adventure Theatre MTC is bringing one of children's literature's most lovable heroines to life in the heartwarming Freckleface Strawberry The Musical, playing at their Glen Echo home through March 29, 2026. Based on the New York Times best-selling book series by acclaimed actress Julianne Moore, this charming family production packs big laughs, catchy songs, and a genuinely touching message into a brisk, intermission-free 60 minutes that keeps young audiences thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

Freckleface Strawberry The Musical at Adventure Theatre MTC

The story centers on Strawberry, a spirited seven-year-old who is self-conscious about her freckles and determined to get rid of them at all costs — scrubbing them with soap, layering on makeup, and eventually arriving at school in a ski mask to hide her complexion entirely. Along the way, she discovers that her classmates each carry their own insecurities, from a talented ballerina who doubts her abilities to a young athlete measuring himself against his peers. Together, this endearing group of kids arrives at a simple but resonant truth: what makes you different is exactly what makes you special.

The production features a standout cast that brings enormous energy and genuine warmth to the material. Lily Burka leads the show as Strawberry with charm and authenticity, making the character's journey feel both funny and emotionally real. She is matched step for step by a terrifically talented ensemble that includes Julia Klavans as the Ballet Girl, Julia Link in a delightfully versatile multi-role performance, Chelsea Majors, James Mernin, Kaylen Morgan, and Dylan Toms, whose powerful vocals are a particular highlight. The entire cast commits fully to the playful, child-like world of the show, and the chemistry among them makes every scene feel alive.

Director Shanara Gabrielle keeps the production moving with sharp storytelling instincts, and choreographer Jennifer Hopkins fills the stage with inventive, high-energy movement — including a memorable ensemble number performed on bouncy balls and a basketball-meets-ballet sequence that is sure to become a crowd favorite. Paris Francesca's vibrant costume design perfectly captures the colorful chaos of elementary school life, while Megan Holden's set gives the cast plenty of room to play. The music and lyrics by Garry Kupper are upbeat and wide-ranging in style, from jazz-inflected numbers to a rap and a ballet solo, giving each character a distinct musical moment to shine.

What makes this production especially well-suited for young audiences is how seamlessly the fun and the message coexist. Children will delight in the humor and the high-energy performances while absorbing a story about self-acceptance that feels genuine rather than preachy. Adventure Theatre MTC has long been one of the DC area's premier destinations for high-quality family theatre, and Freckleface Strawberry The Musical is a prime example of why.

Freckleface Strawberry The Musical runs through March 29, 2026, at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812. Performances run Wednesday through Friday at 11 AM and Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM and 2 PM. Tickets are $28, with group and field trip rates available. For tickets and information, call the box office at 301-634-2270 or visit adventuretheatre-mtc.org.