Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! will run Oct 23-Dec 20, 2026 

Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is proud to announce that the next Theatre for Young Audiences production sure to delight the youngest theatregoer is Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!, based on the award-winning children’s book written by Mo Willems. The DCPA will stage 99 student matinee and public performances of this laugh-out-loud musical tailored for Pre-K through 3rd grade audiences in the Randy Weeks Conservatory Theatre beginning October 23. 

Since the inception of Theatre for Young Audiences, the program has welcomed over 140,000 children and families to experience theatre for the first time. Theatre for Young Audiences nurtures curiosity, creativity, and connection by engaging the next generation of theatregoers with theatrical experiences through memorable performances and meaningful learning opportunities. 

“Through our Theatre for Young Audiences program, we are proud to spark imagination, empathy, and a lifelong love of the arts in young people and their families,” said Executive Director of Education and Community Engagement Allison Watrous. “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is a joyful musical filled with humor, heart, and vibrant characters, and it’s a beautiful reminder of how powerful live theatre can be as a shared experience.” 

Tickets will go on sale this summer. For more information on student matinee reservations and ticket on-sale details, visit denvercenter.org. 

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
Based on the book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
Published by Hyperion Books for Children
Script by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton
Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Dramaturgy by Megan Alrutz
Directed by Allison Watrous 

Oct 23 – Dec 20, 2026 | Randy Weeks Conservatory Theatre 

This play was commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and was first produced at the Kennedy Center during the 2019-2020 season. 

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is a hilariously interactive stage adventure straight out of Mo Willems’ beloved, award‑winning book. When a determined, delightfully mischievous Pigeon sets their heart on driving a city bus, chaos and comedy ensue! Bursting with playful songs, vibrant characters, puppets, and laugh‑out‑loud surprises, this high‑energy musical invites children and grown‑ups alike to sing, shout, and laugh along. Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus…but let them star in a musical! 

Written by best-selling children’s author, Mo Willems, and packed with playful music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, this lively stage adaptation brings the world of the famous Pigeon picture books to flapping, laughing life. With catchy songs and groovy dances, the Pigeon pleads, squawks, and tries every trick in the book all the way through the show. 

Perfect for first-time theatergoers and fans of the books alike, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is a joyful, giggle-filled introduction to live theatre — more fun than your average commute! 

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.