Grace for President
Book, Music & Lyrics by Joan Cushing
Adapted from the book GRACE FOR PRESIDENT by Kelly DiPucchio, Illustrations by LeUyen Pham, © 2012 Kelly DiPucchio, LeUyen Pham | By special arrangement with Gurman Agency LLC.
An inspiring and relevant story about leadership
Oct 19 - Nov 3, 2024 | Wells Fargo PlayhouseOne Act, approx 70 min | For ages 6+
“Where are the girls?” asks third grader Grace Campbell when her teacher rolls out a poster of all the U.S. presidents. Frustrated by the lack of female faces in the White House, Grace decides she wants to be president and inspires a school election. But things prove harder than she thinks when the most popular boy in school runs against her. Through the throes of campaigning and pep rallies, Grace and her classmates discover what it takes to be the best candidate in this timely story based on the bestselling book.
Themes: Elections and voting, hard work, determination, women’s history
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Why We Chose this Show
The book, "Grace for President," was written in 2008 by children's author Kelly DiPucchio after an editor's preschool girl asked why there were no women Presidents of the United States. The story follows Grace, an African-American girl, as she runs in a mock election at her school. A Booklist review called the book a "helpful introduction to the electoral system and empowering story for girls." The story was widely popular, hitting the New York Times Best Seller list, and even inspired children to dress up as Grace for Halloween.
In 2015, after several successful collaborations with playwright Joan Cushing, Children's Theatre of Charlotte commissioned her to adapt "Grace for President" for the stage, to premiere as part of the theatre's 2016-17 season and to tie-in with that year's presidential election.
We chose to present the show this season during extensive season planning in 2022, long before knowing who the eventual presidential candidates would be. The fact that one of the eventual candidates is also an African-American woman is purely coincidental, and in no way reflects an endorsement or political statement on the part of Children's Theatre of Charlotte, the actors, or staff. Rather, we hope the show teaches children important lessons about our democratic system, how the Electoral College works, celebrating empowerment, and making bold choices.
Special Activities
Ongoing - BookWalk - self-guided "scavenger hunt."Explore ImaginOn and discover the pages of "The President of the Jungle" by André Rodrigues, Larissa Ribeiro, Paula Desgualdo, and Pedro Markun, located in frames around the building. Library staff can offer clues or hints, and prizes are available at the Spangler desk for participation, regardless of completion.
Sat, Oct 26 - 2:15 PM
Backstage Tour
This is a ticketed, added experience for those coming to the 3 PM performance, and will be offered as an add-on for $5/person when purchasing tickets.
Sat, Nov 2 - Super Saturday
FREE family-friendly activities at ImaginOn around the them "Let's Vote!" Click for details.
10:30 AM - Family Storytime: Audience Choice!
2 PM - Books Start Art: Alma Woodsey Thomas
