‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus’ Opens Feb. 10 at the Magik

 

Hop on for an unforgettable ride in Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!, a hilarious play based on the beloved book by Mo Willems. Presented by Magik Theatre, it opens Feb. 10.

When the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make passengers late, a determined Pigeon sees his chance to take the wheel. It’s up to the audience to convince him that it’s not the best idea… but maybe there is something he can do.

With catchy songs, colorful characters, and a heartwarming message about responsibility, this production promises to be a joyous experience for young audiences and adults alike.

Even VIA, San Antonio’s transit authority, is joining in the fun with a bus-themed opening night party at Hemisfair Park to get the show rolling!

Featuring a hilarious script co-written by Willems and Tom Warburton and catchy songs by Deborah Wicks La Puma, plus an innovative mix of actors and puppets, Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! plays off Willems’ madcap rhythm and playful vibe.

“In order to give the musical a dramatic arc, Willems has explored why the Pigeon cannot drive the bus,” explains Magik Theatre Artistic Director Anthony Runfola, “he also creates conflict around the Pigeon finding his ‘thing.’ Everyone seems to have one except for the Pigeon. Can the bus driver help the Pigeon figure it out?”

To drive these themes home in a fun and captivating way, Runfola (also the director of this production) cast comedic actors and collaborated closely with prop master Lucian Hernandez to create the puppets. Costume designer Marshall Chase and accomplished set and lighting designer Katherine Stepanek recreate Willems’ signature visual style for the stage. The result is a gleeful, engaging performance sure to delight fans of musical theater and Mo Willems alike.

As always, local students will be well taken care of, with matinee performances and a digital resource guide customized for educators. Suitable for children ages 4 and up, Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES

Opening Night Party in the Park | Saturday, Feb. 10, 4:30 p.m. Show at 6:00 p.m.

Get your little ones in their finest duds and frocks to join the flock (and Pigeon himself) as Magik rolls out the red carpet for this big shot event. Guests will enjoy live music by Billy Ray Shepherd, interactive crafts, live pigeons, raffle prizes and a special treat courtesy of party partner Hemisfair. Thanks to show sponsor VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority, pint-sized bus enthusiasts can explore VIA’s fully restored, vintage 1966 GMC Dreamliner bus parked outside the theater, meet the organization’s mascot Primo, and grab a snack from VIA’s bus shaped Grillig food truck.

In celebration of Black History Month, Magik goers can take in VIA’s temporary exhibit highlighting the role of transit in the Civil Rights Movement and the many African American trailblazers whose contributions made a long-lasting impact on the industry.  Then, at 5:30 p.m., special guest Jeffrey C. Arndt, VIA President and CEO will start the journey with a special story time reading of Willem’s cherished tale, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Educator Appreciation Performance | Sunday, Feb. 11, 3:00 p.m.

Educators and school faculty are eligible for one free ticket to this performance with proof of I.D. Additional tickets are available to purchase for these performances at a discount of 50% off the regular ticket prices with promo code THANKYOU50.

Sensory-Friendly Performance | Saturday, Feb. 24, 10:00 a.m.

Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory issues can take in a special performance of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! designed just for them. Kids and adults are free to be themselves in this relaxed, judgment-free theater experience.

Pay What You Wish Performance | Sunday, Feb. 25, 3:00 p.m.

As part of Magik Theatre’s mission to make theater accessible to everyone, the organization holds one donation-based performance. Tickets are only available at the door on February 25.

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance | Saturday, March 9, 2:00 p.m.

Patrons who communicate with ASL can attend this performance featuring Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary American Sign Language interpreter.

Transit Driver Appreciation Discounts | Sunday, March 17, 3:00 p.m. (Closing Day) & Beyond

Magik celebrates San Antonio’s hard-working transit drivers with special discounts on its closing day performance, Sunday, March 17. With proof of I.D., all transit drivers (including taxi, trolley, bus and rideshare drivers as well as pilots) are eligible for a 15% discount off the regular ticket price by using promo code TDAD15. It’s Magik’s way of kicking off Transit Appreciation Day, celebrated every March 18, to thank and appreciate transit drivers around the nation.

As a special thank you to Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! show sponsor, VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority, all VIA employees are eligible for 20% off the regular ticket price through the run of the show by using discount code VIA20 with proof of I.D.

2024 TICKET OPTIONS

TWO SHOW BUNDLE

• $36 Bundle Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! with the upcoming production of The BFG for a duo discount!

SINGLE TICKETS

• $25 for adults    ●     $20 for children (ages 3-17), Military, Seniors, Educators & Students

FLEX PASS PRICING

• Ten Flex Passes $175   ●     20 Flex Passes $330

A Flex Pass is a package of 10 or 20 tickets that can be used for any production at Magik Theatre in any way patrons wish throughout the season. Use them one or two at a time, or all together. No fees to exchange unexpired tickets to another date. Applicable to public performances only.

Purchase bundles, flex passes and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For further inquiries, contact tickets@magiktheatre.org

Feature photo: Heather Hooten and Charlie Smith (Bobby Foxx Photography).