The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. has just announced the lineup for its 2017-2018 season — and it includes exciting news for fans of Dr. Jane Goodall and Patrick McDonnell.

This November, Patrick’s Caldecott Honor Book Me…Jane, which tells the story of a young Jane Goodall and her plush toy chimpanzee Jubilee, will come to life on stage as a musical!

The team behind the Kennedy Center’s 2014 production of The Gift of Nothing have teamed up once again, with Patrick McDonnell, Aaron Posner, and Andy Mitton responsible for adapting the story for the stage. Music and lyrics are provided by Andy Mitton, and the role of Young Jane will be played by four-time Helen Hayes award winner Erin Weaver.

Me Jane Musical Team
Director Aaron Posner, Composer Andy Mitton, and Patrick McDonnell are shown here at a rehearsal of ‘The Gift of Nothing’ musical. They have teamed again for ‘Me…Jane’.

Dr. Jane Goodall has expressed her own excitement for the production. In a statement for the Kennedy Center, she said, “I love the book and I am sure that the live action will inspire children of all ages to pursue their dreams and to realize if Jane did it, they can do it, too.”

Recommended for theatergoers age six and up, this adaptation expresses the importance of protecting all living species and is sure to be a special, memorable experience for animal lovers and environmentalists of any age.

Me…Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall will be performed at The Kennedy Center between November 18 and December 10, 2017. Additional ticket and date information is available on the Center’s 2017-2018 Season Announcement page.

Interested in learning more about the musical? Be sure to check the MUTTS blog often, as we’ll be providing updates as we draw nearer to the official performance dates.

(Want to purchase your own copy of Me…Jane? Click here to visit the MUTTS Shop!)

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