Beltway Bambinos

The Hula-Hoopin Queen is based on the Oprah Winfrey recommended picture book, The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen by Thelma Lynne Godin and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. The play is adapted by Gloria Bond Clunie and directed by Angelisa Gillyard. Now, Helen Hayes Award recommended!

Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street in Harlem. But she has to prepare for Miz Adeline’s birthday party, and almost ruins the day. Until Miz Adeline confesses that she’s also got the itch–the hula-hoopin’ itch! Her fingers start snappin’. Her hips start swingin’. Soon everyone’s hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street.

I had the pleasure of taking three second grade girls and they were on the edge of their seats the entire show. The singing and the dancing are phenomenal and catchy as is the adorable stage that makes you feel like you are in the city. The is an intergenerational story which ties together family and community. It left us on a search for the picture book so we can compare the story with the play and experience Kemeeka’s adventure over and over. The girls are all begging for hula-hoops to be allowed at recess now. The show is 75 minutes with no intermission. The show is only at Imagination Stage through April 8, so buy tickets here!!

This performance takes place at Imagination Stage: 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814

Imagination Stage is a nationally-recognized theatre arts center in Bethesda, MD, respected for more than 43 years of high-quality, innovative programming. Each year, it produces several professional theatre productions for children ages 1+ and hosts classes, camps, and workshops for ages 1-18.

Imagination Stage’s professional productions are also available for field trips, groups, and birthday parties.