The Girl Who Drank the Moon
March 27 - April 19, 2026
Adapted by Melissa Leilani Larson
From the book by Kelly Barnhill published by Algonquin Young Readers
Together we hold the power to change.
Enter a world of magic, mystery, and unexpected friendships in The Girl Who Drank the Moon, based on the award-winning novel by New York Times Best Seller and Minnesota local, Kelly Barnhill. In a land where fear and misunderstanding have divided the people for generations, a young girl named Luna holds the key to breaking the cycle of darkness and separation. The Girl Who Drank the Moon celebrates the transformative power of unity — reminding us all that when we come together, we can heal wounds, face our fears, and create a better world for everyone.
Recommended for: 12+
Location: Jaycees Studio Theatre
Show Run Time: TBA
Resource Guide: Coming soon!
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is produced with permission of the author, Kelly Barnhill and Writer’s House.
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Photos
Publicity Photos by Amy Rondeau Photography
Music
Preview songs from the show!
The Creative Team
- PLAYWRIGHT – Melissa Leilani Larson
- AUTHOR – Kelly Barnhill
Check back closer to Opening Night for a complete list!
Creative Team Bios
Melissa Leilani Larson
Playwright
Melissa Leilani Larson (she/her) is a mixed-race Filipino American writer from Salt Lake City whose award-winning work has been seen on five continents. Her current work in progress, A FORM OF FLATTERY, is a BAPF 46 Honorable Mention Finalist and a Portland Center Stage JAW finalist. Recent productions: PERSUASION at Snow College; LITTLE HAPPY SECRETS at Middle Tennessee State; THE EDIBLE COMPLEX at Wayne Theatre (tour); PRIDE AND PREJUDICE at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, Grand Theatre Co., and Texas Shakes; BITTER LEMON at Plan-B Theatre; GIN MUMMY at Utah Valley University; RELATIVE SPACE, a new musical, at Creekside Theatre Fest; MESTIZA, OR MIXED at Lift Every Voice Festival (American Stage); SWEETHEART, COME at Pygmalion Theatre; THE POST OFFICE at schools across the country. Honors: AATE Distinguished Play Award; O’Neill semi-finalist; IRAM Best New Play Award; Mayhew Award; four AML Drama Awards; two Salt Like City Weekly “Best of” Awards. Mel is a member of the Plan-B Theatre Lab, Honor Roll!, and the Dramatists Guild. MFA, Iowa Playwrights Workshop
Kelly Barnhill
Author
Kelly Barnhill is an author and teacher. She won the World Fantasy Award for her novella The Unlicensed Magician, a Parents Choice Gold Award for Iron Hearted Violet, the Charlotte Huck Honor and 2017 Newbery Medal for The Girl Who Drank the Moon, and has been a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award, the Andre Norton award, and the PEN/USA literary prize. She was also a McKnight Artist’s Fellowship recipient in Children’s Literature. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her three children and husband.
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