Matthew Takes Mannahatta

The stars of Matthew Takes Mannahatta

Photograph: Sun Productions

Local history lessons don’t usually resonate much with kids’ lives. But Matthew Takes Mannahatta, which presents Manhattan Island’s story from 10,000 years ago through the 1600s, just might change that. Based on an unpublished children’s story by historian Christopher Moore, the hour-long musical, geared to tykes ages two to 12, is a time-travel adventure. It’s also a tribute to the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s cruise past the future New York City.

After walking through a secret doorway in their grandmother’s Manhattan apartment, mischievous Matthew and his argumentative older sister, Piper, are whooshed back to prehistoric times. The combative pair voyage through the centuries, dinosaurs giving way to the kids’ own ancestors. At the end of the time line, Matthew and Piper (both played by adults) return home having discovered their African-American and Native American heritages—and how to get along. “As they go through history, they learn to work together, play together, live together. Become more of a family,” says Aurin Squire, who adapted Moore’s book into a script. They also realize the importance of understanding one’s roots. Adds Squire, “A child without roots is just a wanderer.”—Jessica Gross

Matthew Takes Mannahatta plays Oct 17–Nov 29 at Vital Children’s Theatre.

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