Vasthy and Friends - an interactive musical for kids and their grown-ups

The Santa Monica Playhouse Black History [every] Month Project presents African-American theatrical creations not just in February, but throughout the year, recognizing, honoring and celebrating the rich heritage of Black arts, artists, and culture in our community.

"Sesame Street" meets Broadway...Mr. Rogers meets musical theater...music, dance, poetry, and fun for the whole family (including grown ups!) Your hostess, eight-time Broadway actress (The Prom, Spongebob, Mary Poppins) Vasthy Mompoint, will take you on a musical theater adventure combining live performance with virtual production.

Every interactive show is full of song, dance, and joy as kids stay active with snippets of actual Broadway choreography taught by musical theater performers, sing along to original children's songs from the Vasthy & Friends album, learn about diverse world cultures through our Beyond Your Backyard segments, and engage with the arts & kid-friendly artists in a way like no other!

Perfect for kids ages 4 to 10, and their grown-ups! Get ready to sing, dance, and play. Vasthy says, “We promise you will leave with a smile on your face.”

Written & Performed by Vasthy Mompoint. Producer/Performer Leanne Gadow. Musical Director Alyson Snyder. Keyboards Moko. Performers Larry Sapperstein, Carly Hughes, Amanda Kloots.

Seeing a poster on the Playhouse patio wall advertising a production for Black History Month, a Playhouse conservatory student asked, “What about the rest of the year?” Excellent question, one that became the inspiration for the Black History [every] Month project. With generous support from the We Are Santa Monica Fund, the City of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Arts Commission, and Playhouse PALS, we are honored to present for you an overflowing treasure box of award-winning, important, insightful and empowering events. We hope you’ll see them all.