Andrea Beaty's Books Come to Life in Musical "Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends" at the MAC Oct. 24

The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) presents the TheaterWorksUSA production of “Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends” at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24. The musical is based on three books “Rosie Revere, Engineer,” “Iggy Peck, Architect,” and “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Naperville’s own Andrea Beaty with illustrations by David Roberts. Memory Tourist says of the musical, “With ‘Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends,’ they [TheaterworksUSA] have found one of their best works yet…It’s a heady hour of learning, but it’s also very entertaining.” Post show, New York Times best-selling author of the Questioneers books series, Beaty, will be featured in a free 15-minute Q&A.

Ms. Greer's classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture. And Ada Twist's curiosity can drive her teacher crazy. On a field trip gone awry, they are faced with the ultimate test of their problem-solving skills that can only be conquered with teamwork.

Beaty is the author of many children’s books, including the bestselling Questioneers series, “I Love You Like Yellow,” “Happy Birthday, Madame Chapeau,” and “One Girl.” The American Library Association and the Association for Library Service have included her works on their lists. This fall brings the release of her newest book, “Billie Jean Peet, Athlete.” For more information about Beaty and her books visit andreabeaty.com.

“Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends” is written by Lauren Gunderson, hailed by American Theatre Magazine as one of the most produced playwrights in America since 2015 (book). Additional members of the design team include Bree Lowdermilk (music) and Kait Kerrigan (lyrics). The original creative team includes Peter Flynn (direction), Marcos Santana (choreography), Lloyd Kikoler (orchestrations), Dan Garmon (original music direction), Anne Mundell (set design) and Jenifer Caprio (costume design).

TheaterWorksUSA has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. TheaterWorksUSA believes that access to art, and theater, in particular, is vital for our youth. Since 1961, the 501(c)3 not-for-profit has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 140 original plays and musicals. Acclaimed alumni include Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (Disney’s “Frozen”), Daphne Rubin-Vega (“Rent”), Jerry Zaks (“The Music Man”), Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“Dear Evan Hansen”), Miguel Cervantes (“Hamilton”), Kathleen Chalfant (“Angels in America”), and Chuck Cooper (Tony award winning actor, “The Life”). Prior to suspending live production due to the pandemic, TheaterWorksUSA’s 2019-2020 season included touring 11 shows around the country, the Broadway premiere of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” and three world premieres: “Warriors Don’t Cry,” based on the autobiography of Melba Pattillo Beals; “Dog Man: The Musical” Off-Broadway; and “The Pout-Pout Fish,” which opened the New Victory Theater’s season in October 2019. Visit TWUSA.orgf or more information.

The McAninch Arts Center, located at 425 Fawell Blvd., presents the TheaterWorksUSA production of “Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends” at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24. Tickets are $19-24 (Adult) and $17-24 (Youth). This show is recommended for Grades K through 4. To order tickets, go to AtTheMAC.org, call 630.942.4000 or visit the MAC Box Office. Box Office hours are noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and two hours prior to performance.