On Tour

February 6 - March 22, 2025

Public Performances

March 26 - March 30, 2025

The Sun Theater - 3625 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO 63108

But What Can You Do?

By Myah Gary
Based on the picture book by Arika Parr and Ava Johnson with illustrations by Misra Karahan

Local mother daughter author duo Arika Parr and Ava Johnson’s picture book comes to the stage! Ava is not so good at cartwheels, and after many attempts - and just as many tumbles - she feels defeated. With a little encouragement from her family, Ava makes an exciting discovery: though she may not be able to do some things, she has countless other talents. Ava uses her new-found confidence to help others across St. Louis celebrate all the things they can do!  

Now...think about all the things YOU can do! 

This story includes themes of positive thinking, growth mindset, co-parenting, music, and more! 

Best enjoyed by ages 4 and up. 

Directed by Jacqueline Thompson

Design & Production Team
STAGE MANAGER: Jimmy Bernatowicz
SCENIC DESIGNER: Seth Howard
COSTUME DESIGNER: Felia Davenport
COMPOSER: Alicia Revé Like
CHOREOGRAPHER: Tyler White
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Caleb Long

Additional Weekend Activities - FREE

Opening Night Post-Performance Concert

FRIDAY, MARCH 28

But What Can You Do? Performance - 7pm

Post Performance Concert - 8-9:30pm

Kick off opening night in style! After the performance, savor snacks, sip on drinks, and soak up the sounds of a private concert by the star of But What Can You Do?, Aloha Mischeaux and composer Alicia Revé Like. This is your chance to experience the music that makes But What Can You Do? so special—live and up close! Tickets are pay-what-you-wish with a suggested donation of $25.  


But What Can You Do? Day

SATURDAY, MARCH 29

But What Can You Do? Performances at 10:30am and 2pm

Activities for BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO DAY? are between performances from 11am-2pm

Between the two performances of But What Can You Do?, young adventurers can grab a sticker passport (courtesy of Simple Positive Play) and explore interactive stations all around The Sun Theater. Hula-hoop your heart out, flex your gymnastics skills, cozy up with a good book, and discover just how amazing YOU are.

Family Tea

SUNDAY, MARCH 30

But What Can You Do? Performance - 2pm

Activities for the Family Tea immediately following public performance

Wrap up the weekend with a heartwarming Family Tea. After the final performance, join authors Arika Parr and Ava Johnson for a live reading of But What Can You Do?. Then, enjoy tea and sweet treats while meeting the authors and cast in a delightful, relaxed setting. What better way to end this inspiring weekend? 


Accessibility

Audio Description by MindsEye: March 30 at 2pm

ASL Interpretation by DEAF, Inc.: March 30 at 2 pm

A quiet space, sensory packs, and a social story are available for all performances.

Touch Tours, as well as additional Audio Described and ASL Interpreted performances, are available upon request for touring performances (with at least 2 weeks advance notice). 

If there are additional accessibility measures you could benefit from, please reach out at carl@metroplays.org.

Meet the Cast

  • Aloha Mischeaux

    AVA

  • Sarah Wilkinson

    OLIVIA

  • Ricki Franklin

    MOMMY / NANA

  • Joshua Mayfield

    DADDY / PAW PAW

For Schools

Touring Performances

This production can be booked to visit your school! Bookings include a school visit, a Q&A with the cast following each performance, and a learning guide to integrate the production into your curriculum.

Rates for school bookings begin at $750.

Student Matinees

March 26 - 28, 2025 - The Sun Theatre
Ticket includes a performance of the production and a learning guide connected to the themes of the play.

$8 per person - With one free adult ticket for every 20 student tickets.

For more information, please contact Community Support and School Bookings Associate, Zahria Moore.

Call 314.325.9505
Email zahria@metroplays.org