Curriculum Subjects

Ben Franklin and Me

Reading – This musical is based on the classic children’s book by Robert Lawson. One of the goals is to inspire students to read books by the same author, colonial times and other biographies.

Science – Ben Franklin was involved in many scientific endeavors. This production deals with the invention of the Franklin Stove and Ben’s experiments with electricity.

Social Studies – As one of our Founding Fathers, Ben played a pivotal role in the birth of the United States. The second half of this musical focuses on the Declaration of Independence and how Ben’s contributions are relevant to students in the 21st century.

Biography – While the book BEN AND ME is fictionalized history, the author took great pains to base the story in the facts of Ben’s life and accomplishments.

Illinois Learning Standards       

  • Science
  • English/Language Arts
  • Fine Arts

By The Numbers

Math – This production works to show audiences the importance math will play in their future professions, answering the age old question, “Why do I need to learn math?”

Illinois Learning Standards

  • Science
  • Math
  • Fine Arts

Edison: The Wizard of Menlo Park

Science – The show focuses on three of the more than 1000 inventions of Thomas Edison: the phonograph, the light bulb and motion pictures. Students assist the inventor as he demonstrates the many scientific aspects of these pivotal inventions. Before there was Steve Jobs there was Thomas Edison.

Social Studies – Edison’s inventions changed the way we live our lives. For that reason alone it is important for students to learn about the “Wizard of Menlo Park.”

Biography – From his early years as an inquisitive boy through his pivotal years of failure and success, the life of Thomas Edison can serve as an inspiring model for students of any age.

Illinois Learning Standards

  • Science
  • Math
  • Fine Arts

Honest Abe

Reading – Throughout this musical we see Abe reading books of all kinds from Aesop’s Fables to The Biography of George Washington. The audience experiences Lincoln integrating the lessons learned from reading into his daily life. The example set by Lincoln serves as a motivating influence for today’s young people.

Social Studies – The pivotal role Abraham Lincoln played in this country’s past is still effecting every American on a daily basis. It is important for students to understand how their lives have been made better by the positive character decisions our 16th President made throughout his life.

Biography – By learning about the many aspects of Lincoln’s life, students can better understand how their character decisions can positively influence the world in which they live.

Illinois Learning Standards

  • English/Language Arts
  • Fine Arts

The Amazing Adventures of Lewis and Clark

Social Studies – The explorations of Lewis and Clark opened the door to our country’s expansion west. Their bravery, courage and self-sacrifice, in service to their country, set a strong example for today’s youth. In addition, the pivotal role played by Native Americans in the success of the 2 ½ journey, offers students further insight into the lives of these indigenous peoples.   

Biography – This team is living proof that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Meriwether Lewis and William Clark offer students an excellent example of teamwork and cooperation.

Illinois Learning Standards

  • English/Language Arts
  • Fine Arts

The George Washington Follies

Social Studies – It is often said that we live in a global community. This production brings together three different cultures that help to inform the way our country developed. Just as George learns from other great leaders, so to can students learn from President Washington.

Biography – This production offers a rare insight into our First President. As George decides what kind of leader he will be, students are afforded an opportunity to explore their own ideas of what makes a strong yet compassionate leader.

Illinois Learning Standards

  • English/Language Arts
  • Fine Arts

The Wright Brothers

Science – Seeing the world around us in a different light opens the door to incredible scientific advances. The Wright Brothers demonstrates how Wilbur and Orville, as children, were able to see aspects of their sled, bike and kite in unique ways. Your students experience how these observations led to the invention of the airplane.

Social Studies – The airplane changed the world forever. Knowing how and why this happened will be a springboard into your students’ futures.

Biography – The ingenuity and perseverance of these two brothers is only matched by the example their lives can set for the students of today.

Illinois Learning Standards

  • Science
  • Math
  • Fine Arts