“Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical!” at the Timber Lake Playhouse -- May 6 through 10.
Tuesday, May 6, through Saturday, May 10, 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll IL
With its script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the New York Times number-one-best-selling and Caldecott Honor Award-winning Pigeon picture books, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical! opens the 2025 theatrical season at Mt. Carroll's Timber Lake Playhouse, this presentation by the venue's Magic Owl Children's Theatre sure to entertain kids of all ages during its May 6 through 10 run.
As the saying goes, whatever you do, "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus!" This uproarious, family-friendly musical brings Mo Willems’ award-winning children’s book to life, inviting audiences into a hilarious adventure on wheels. When a crisis prevents the Bus Driver from making it on time, Pigeon sees his chance to step up to the driver’s seat. With witty songs and feathers flying, this interactive show lets kids cheer, laugh, and even help decide whether to let that mischievous bird take the wheel. It's a joyful ride for everyone, complete with a hot dog party and dreams that take flight.
In addition to receiving the Caldecott Honor, Willems' Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is an American Library Association Notable Book, a National Council of Teachers of English Notable Book, a Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Book, and a South Carolina Picture Book Award winner. Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association listed the book as one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children," and the work was also selected as one of the "Top 100 Picture Books" of all time in a 2012 poll by School Library Journal. Interestingly, a 2011 scientific study titled "Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" examined the ability of pigeons to actually solve a traveling-salesperson problem by taking the shortest route to visit multiple feeders in a laboratory. According to Animal Cognition, the study's authors found that pigeons "appeared to plan ahead multiple steps," which provided "clear and strong evidence that animals other than primates are capable of planning sophisticated travel routes."
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical! will be presented in Mt. Carroll from Tuesday, May 6 through Saturday, May 10, with two performances per day at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Each performance will be approximately 60 minutes long, admission is $15, and more information and tickets are available by calling (815)244-2035 and visiting TimberLakePlayhouse.org.
