Music Theatre International has released Dot & The Kangaroo JR. for licensing. Based on the classic 1899 Australian novel by Ethel Pedley, the musical features music by Daniel Mertzlufft (Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical), lyrics by Kate Leonard (Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical), and a book by Daniel Stoddart.
The musical, which premiered with a preview performance at Junior Theater Festival Atlanta in 2023, follows a young girl who loses her way searching for adventure in the Australian bush. She befriends a mother kangaroo, who gathers some other bush creatures to help her find her way back home. Pedley's novel became a cultural phenomenon in Australia following its publication, and has received numerous film and TV adaptations in the years since.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see a truly Australian show included in the Broadway Junior collection of musicals, showcasing our unique Aussie characters and voices,” says Stoddart, an Australian actor, director, and writer.
“I could not be more excited to finally share Dot & The Kangaroo JR. with the world!," adds Mertzlufft. "It’s been such a joy hearing our songs being performed by students in the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. No matter their culture, they each brought their own point of view, and embraced this story in such a beautiful way. I cannot wait to continue to see groups experience this show that we simply adore so much, and hope to see as many productions as I can!”
MTI is currently offering the musical's script for online reading free of charge. Find it at MTIShows.com.
“Dot & the Kangaroo JR. features nods to many different musical styles, including jazzy gospel, hoedown, and modern Broadway pop, along with a large cast of colorful characters,” says MTI President and CEO Drew Cohen. “The show was featured at our Junior Theater Festivals’ New Works Showcase where it captivated audience members with its mix of warmth and humor.”
The show joins MTI's Broadway Junior series, which comprises a large group of musicals made especially to be performed by young actors. Along with original titles like Dot & the Kangaroo, the library also includes adaptations of such full-length Broadway titles as Beetlejuice, Into the Woods, Mean Girls, and Seussical, among many others. See the complete collection at BroadwayJr.com.
