A Big Day for Baseball

Synopsis

April 15, 1947, is truly A Big Day for Baseball! It’s baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson’s first day in the Major Leagues and, in this Magic Tree House musical, Jack and Annie are magically transported to Brooklyn, NY, to witness the historic game "up close and personal”. The brother and sister team first pose as batboys for the game and later visit the home of three of Robinson’s biggest fans. Both on and off the field they learn a great deal about racism, personal dignity, and the importance of standing up for what’s right – no matter what the obstacles.


With music that blends 1940s swing with elements of gospel and jazz, this show provides a moving and uplifting experience for families and kids of all ages.

Song Samples

Song Samples

These are composer demos for perusal use only.

    “This much I know is true, just like 42, it’s up to you to change the game.”

      ~ Main character, Jackie Robinson


    Genre

    Genre

    Adventure

    Cast Size

    Cast Size

    (9 performers: 3 men, 3 women, 3 any)

    Show Time

    Length

    50 Minutes

    Jenny Laird

    Book & Lyrics by
    Jenny Laird

    Will Osborne

    Book & Lyrics by

    Will Osborne

    Randy Courts

    Music & Lyrics by

    Randy Courts

    Characters

    Characters

    • MAIN

      Actor 1 (M. Plays age 10 - 18): JACK

      Actor 2 (F. Plays age 9 - 18): ANNIE

      Actor 3 (F. Plays age 101. Black): GRANNY

      Actor 4 (F. Plays age 9. Black): OLIVE

      Actor 5 (M. Plays age 10. Black): OTIS

      Actor 6 (M. Plays age 13 - 30. White): LEADER / TEAM MGR. / CLUBHOUSE MGR. / DODGERS MGR. / STREET KID / PLAYER / PITCHER / ADULT / GUARD

      Actor 7 M. Plays age 28. Black): JACKIE

      Actor 8 (M. Plays age 13 - 30. White): FAN / STREET KID / PLAYER / DODGERS FAN

      Actor 9 (M. Plays adult. White): COACH / UMO / RADIO ANNOUNCER / ADULT IN BROOKLYN / MANAGER

    • ENSEMBLE

      Actor 6 (M. Plays age 13 - 30. White): LEADER / TEAM MGR. / CLUBHOUSE MGR. / DODGERS MGR. / STREET KID / PLAYER / PITCHER / ADULT / GUARD

      Actor 7 M. Plays age 28. Black): JACKIE

      Actor 8 (M. Plays age 13 - 30. White): FAN / STREET KID / PLAYER / DODGERS FAN

      Actor 9 (M. Plays adult. White): COACH / UMO / RADIO ANNOUNCER / ADULT IN BROOKLYN / MANAGER

    A Big Day for Baseball is a musical adaptation of the bestselling Magic Tree House #29: A Big Day for Baseball, by Mary Pope Osborne.

    Classroom Resources

    One of things that stood out to me the most was direct quotes from Jackie Robinson in  “I Wish We Could Go There”, a beautifully written piece that offers hope and an uplifting ending to an impactful story.

    - Actor Johnathan Arvelo (Jackie Robinson in the world premiere production)

    Theatre For Young Audiences

    A Big Day for Baseball is part of our Theatre for Young Audiences collection. These original musicals are designed to be produced and performed by professional theatres and touring productions.

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