American Girl Live!

Experience American Girl® in an all-new musical, coming to a city near you!

In American Girl Live, a new, original, 90-minute musical that celebrates the power of girls and strength of friendship, audiences join five spunky campers and their fearless counselor at Camp American Girl, an overnight camp in the North Woods.  Overcoming fears and obstacles along the way to having the summer of their lives, these brave campers rely on wisdom and advice delivered by Rebecca, Maryellen, Julie, Nanea, Luciana, and Melody – the beloved American Girl dolls they’ve brought along to camp – who inspire audiences in surprising and delightful musical numbers, each reflecting their historical eras.  Empowered by the stories and conviction of their American Girls, the campers learn that they can overcome anything and achieve their dreams, so long as they stay true to themselves and support one another!

I recently had the opportunity to interview Sandy Rustin (book & lyrics) about the production. I asked Why American Girl? She said she wanted to write a musical designed for young girls with a message of empowerment. She created six original characters and they all travel to Camp American Girl with their dolls that come to life. The cool thing is that they come to life in historical content. Sandy wanted to create a terrific show that families can enjoy together but also discuss. The music composition is sophisticated but fun and accessible. I also asked Sandy what she wants the audience to get out of the production.

She said first and foremost, she wanted to create a terrific show and she wants to instill a love of theater in kids. She also wanted to emphasize in young girls that the messaging of your voice matters and that YOU being YOU is what makes YOU special! There is NO mention of boys throughout the show and all the girls are supportive of each other. The actors make great choices together.

 Sandy is currently writing the stage version of Paramount Picture’s cult-hit film, CLUE (Nat’l Tour 2019). She is the writer of the hit Off-Broadway musical, Rated P… For Parenthood (optioned for TV by ABC Studios). She wrote and starred in Overbooked for Nickelodeon  (Nick Mom). Her comedy, The Cottage, was presented at Manhattan  Theatre Club with Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) directing, and is in  development for a NY production. Her other plays include: Struck, Houston, and Elijah.

The show is currently touring and you can catch it nearby soon. See below for ticketing information.

Kimmel Center in Philadelphia February 14-17.

Strathmore in Bethesda, MD on March 3