The Snowman and the Snowdog Brings Holiday Magic to Imagination Stage

For DC-area families looking for a cozy holiday outing this year, Imagination Stage's production of The Snowman and the Snowdog is exactly the kind of show that feels like a warm mug of cocoa on a chilly afternoon. This brand-new musical adaptation of Raymond Briggs' beloved characters invites kids and grownups alike into a shimmering winter world of snow, song, and gentle magic, now playing through January 4 at Imagination Stage's Lerner Family Theatre in Bethesda.

The Snowman and the Snowdog at Imagination Stage

The story follows a young boy named Billy, who has just moved into a new house with his mother and is still grieving the loss of his longtime canine companion. To fill the lonely winter day, he builds a snowman in the garden and then shapes a snowdog to keep it company. Overnight, the impossible happens: the snowman and snowdog spring to life, whisking Billy away on a nighttime adventure that helps him process his grief, find joy again, and feel at home in his new life. The tale is inspired by the animated film The Snowman and the Snowdog and has been adapted for the stage and directed by Janet Stanford, with a score by Ilan Eshkeri and Andy Burrows and additional compositions by Tim Guillot.

What makes this production such a strong pick for families is the way it balances big theatrical magic with emotions that feel very real to kids. The show runs just about 70 minutes with no intermission-ideal for young attention spans-yet it manages to pack in a full emotional journey, from sadness and uncertainty to friendship, courage, and wonder.

On stage, that world is brought to life with the kind of theatrical detail Imagination Stage is known for. Scenic and puppet designer Eric J. Van Wyk transforms the theater into a storybook snowy landscape, complete with a rotating turntable set and an array of whimsical puppets-think skiing penguins, lively dogs, and of course the snowman and snowdog themselves-that delight the kids and earn plenty of gasps and giggles. Kelly Colburn's projections add swirling snow, starry skies, and even an onstage "letter to Santa" that appears to be written in real time, while Nikki Mirza's choreography uses ribbons, flags, and playful group numbers (including an infectious dance for a whole crowd of snowmen) to keep the energy high and the stage in constant motion.

At the center of it all is Billy, played with bright, open-hearted energy by Drew Sharpe, whose singing and acting anchor the story in a child's point of view. Around him, a warm ensemble builds Billy's world: Lilli Hokama as his caring mom, Tyler Dobies and Alexandra López as welcoming new friends Angelo and Stella, Ryan Sellers as the delightfully over-the-top schoolteacher Mr. Good, and Douglas Ullman Jr. as a joyful, larger-than-life Santa Claus. Sumie Yotsukura rounds out the cast as a friendly Mail Person who helps introduce the family to their new neighborhood. Together, they create a community that feels both festive and emotionally true-a reassuring backdrop for young theatregoers who may be navigating big feelings of their own.

Imagination Stage also layers in thoughtful touches that make The Snowman and the Snowdog an especially welcoming choice for families in the DC region. The production offers ASL-interpreted performances, sensory-friendly showtimes, and special events like "Meet the Actors" and "Meet the Dogs," where kids can stick around after select performances for extra fun and interaction.

For parents trying to choose just one holiday show this season, The Snowman and the Snowdog is a particularly appealing option: it's short, gentle, visually stunning, and rooted in themes-loss, change, friendship, and hope-that spark real conversation on the way home. With its blend of puppetry, music, and heartfelt storytelling, it's a lovely way to introduce younger children to live theatre or to build a new seasonal tradition with the whole family. And because it runs through January 4, you can enjoy it as a pre-Christmas treat, a special outing during winter break, or a cozy way to wrap up the holiday season once the New Year arrives.