Whether it was Samantha, Molly, Addy, or Felicity, American Girl dolls have been a part of young people’s childhoods since the mid-90s. In the last 20 years, they’ve become an international pop culture phenomenon, and now they’ve inspired a new stage musical. The new American Girl Live
national tour spotlights six popular characters from the franchise: Rebecca (1914), Nanea (1941), Maryellen (1954), Melody (1964), Julie (1974), and Luciana (2018). Enjoy a first look at the show in the video above and learn more about American Girl Live from the musical's writer Sandy Rustin and director Gina Rattan in the Q&A below!1. What was the biggest challenge in bringing American Girl doll stories together to create one cohesive musical?
The initial challenge came in narrowing the playing field! Once our creative team and American Girl selected which six characters would be featured, the task became much more manageable.
2. What is the concept for the show? How do all the American Girl characters from different historical time period come together?
The show takes place at Camp American Girl, a sleep-away summer camp for girls. We introduce six original characters who all attend camp with their American Girl dolls. As the campers encounter obstacles and challenges, their favorite characters come to life (in musical numbers reflective of their historical periods) to impart wisdom and advice.
3. What’s the thing you heard most from people who grew up with the property when they found out you were adapting it for stage?
Everyone was so excited! Girls who love American Girl LOVE American Girl! It’s fun to be a part of that! But also, our show is designed for ALL kids—so even kids who haven’t yet grown to love American Girl will still love the show!
4. What do you hope young girls growing up in today’s America take away from the show?
This is a show about girl empowerment! It’s a celebration of the diversity of girls’ strengths, interests, personalities, and style. We hope girls leave the theatre knowing that they are the heroes of their own stories!