K12 Playkit

K12 PlayKits are designed to make theatre in schools simple! Hand-picked by a team of professional educators, they put everything schools need for a successful production right at your fingertips; high-quality scripts, student-friendly materials, and streamlined performance rights without the hassle or uncertainty of traditional licensing. With no hoops to jump through, you can focus on what really matters: creating inspiring productions with your students.

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Jody Davidson based on the book by Richard and Florence Atwater

PlayKit | Mr. Popper's Penguins

by Jody Davidson
With music by Brett Schrier
Based on the novel by Richard and Florence Atwater

This charming tale touches the heart – with lots of laughs along the way! It is hard enough for Mr. Popper, a simple painter, to support himself and his family. The addition of twelve penguins makes it impossible to make both ends meet – until Mr. Popper has a splendid idea. He will turn the talented penguins into a traveling vaudeville act! And that’s exactly what he does. The entire family will delight in the adventures of Mr. Popper and his “performing” feathered friends.

Regular price $135.00

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Quick Details

  • Type: Musical
  • Length: 90 minutes
  • Availability: Available for productions in North America
  • Cast Size: 3 female, 5 male + 15 ensemble | Can be doubled for a cast of 9

Full Details

Roles:

  • Mr. Popper
  • Mrs. Popper
  • Janie Popper
  • Billy Popper
  • Admiral Drake
  • Paperboy
  • Saleslady
  • Mailman
  • Deliveryman
  • Captain Cook
  • Policeman
  • Doc Harper
  • Greta
  • Stage Manager
  • Mr. Greenbaum
  • Male Ingenue
  • Female Ingenue
  • Theatre Owner
  • Police Officer

Ensemble roles include penguins, crew of Captain Drake's ship, and citizens of Stillwater

The following resources are included in each PlayKit:
  • Opening Act Edition PDF script and score
  • Opening Act performance license for 1-8 performances (choose the number of performances using drop-down bar)
  • Copy license to copy included PDF script for your cast, crew, and production team. There is no additional cost for scripts! 
  • Media pack including logo PNG & SVG's as well as template poster files.
  • Director's Guide with tips, suggested rehearsal activities, FAQ, and more!
  • Vocal Guide audio tracks
  • Production audio tracks

Jody Davidson

Playwright Jody Davidson is also a director and arts administrator whose career and accomplishments in the field of theatre for young audiences spans 30 years. She is the founder of the Rainbow Company Children's Theatre and co-founder of both the Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre and the Serendipity Theatre Company. She has the unique distinction and honor of being the only founder/executive director of three separate children's theatres to be named the "Best New Children's Theatre in the United States" by the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. In addition to her dedication to the field of family theatre, her seminal work in the field of theatre for disabled artists has produced several scripts. Jody has been featured in People magazine and on Good Morning, America as well as in many other national publications and media.

Originally produced by Northern Stage in 2010

Preview the Show

Mr. Popper's Penguins at Main Street Theatre

Reviews

If you’re between the ages of 5 and 95, it’ll warm your heart with lovable little penguins, enchant you with a great storyline and dazzle you with a jaw-dropping show-biz ‘big number’ pulled off by tap-dancing penguins that you’ll not soon forget!

- Eagle Times

it’s an ideal end of year family show, bringing together all the issues of responsibility and wildness, dreams and possibility, exploration and history

- My View by Robyn Sassen