Oregon Children’s Theatre is wrapping up its 2021-22 season with Last Stop on Market Street, a musical story about CJ and his grandmother taking a journey through their neighborhood on the city bus. As they meet new people and see new places, CJ begins to realize that looks can be deceiving, everyone has a story to share, and that beauty can be found anywhere…if you know how to look for it.
The music and lyrics are a blend of hip-hop, Motown, gospel and rap, written by Motown legend Lamont Dozier and his son. While the music for Last Stop is accessible and modern, the true beauty of the story lies in its inclusive-minded messaging: that everyone has a unique story, that differences should be valued instead of feared and that it is important to have compassion and help others.
The show is based on the award-winning children’s book by Matt de la Peña and was adapted for the stage by Cheryl West.
Last Stop runs Saturdays and Sundays, May 1-29. Find tickets ($15-34) at octc.org or by calling 503.228.9571.