The inspiring children’s book ‘But What Can You Do?’ is coming to life onstage next week. This wonderful story about perseverance and positive thinking is the brainchild of the St. Louis mother-daughter team of Arika Parr and 9-year-old Ava Johnson of Ava + Mommy Publishing.
“They feel the play is a lifelong lesson for kids and adults – to not beat yourself down on what you can’t accomplish. Strive for it and remember the goals you have met”
The book has been adapted into a play by Metro Theater Company (MTC) and playwright Myah Gary. MTC, known for its innovative, inclusive productions, is bringing the book’s empowering message to life for young audiences and their families.
“We are thrilled to see our story evolve into a play,” Parr said of the play set to run March 26-30 at The Sun Theater. “It’s a magical way to inspire confidence and resilience in children.”
Co-author Ava Johnson says “I hope kids will love the music as much as I do!”
The heartwarming tale of self-awareness is part of MTC’s 52nd season under Artistic Director Jacqueline Thompson. Ava + Mommy Publishing creates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) focused books for young children. Their stories equip kids with tools for resilience and positive emotional growth.
“MTC is committed to creating stories where every child sees themselves reflected,” says
Thompson. “But What Can You Do? embodies our mission with its uplifting and relatable
message.”
The book and stage play are based on Ava Johnson’s quest to do a cartwheel. The then pre-k student kept practicing, and her mom soon realized that accomplishing a cartwheel for her young daughter was a goal she wanted to meet. Parr began reminding Ava of the things she could do. They created a list of things Ava could do, including making art projects, helping her grandmother cook, playing soccer, etc. Parr said the experience was both a teaching and bonding moment for her daughter.
”I didn’t want Ava to focus on the negative of not being able to do this one thing,” Parr said. The list soon turned into a book for other families to use to help their little ones. By the end of the project, the duo came up with the main point of the book: ‘If you believe you can do it and practice, then you can do it’. “It’s such a beautiful thing that so many other people are attracted to the story like Jackie,” Parr said.
The adaptation of the book is where Thompson enters the picture. Thompson is intentional about honoring and celebrating local talent. She says the story is multi-layered in portraying perseverance and exploration.
Metro Theater hired Myah Gary, who had only five months, to turn ‘But What Can You Do?’ into a theater production. This is extraordinary because most playwrights have at least a year or two.
The process included conducting workshops, and surveying students, parents, teachers, and counselors to source materials and get the perspective of young students and parents about the play. “It feels cool and fun and amazing,” Gary said when talking about her book becoming a theater play.
Aloha Mischeaux, a former local American Idol contestant and entrepreneur, plays Ava. Mischeaux owned Black Coffee in the Cherokee neighborhood. Parr says the entire production has come together divinely.
“I want to make sure the play is both entertaining as well as true to the people I am portraying,” said Joshua Mayfield, who is playing Ava’s dad and pawpaw. Mayfield says he’s honored to play characters that add richness to everyday African American life. Mischeaux also feels the experience of playing a nine-year-old girl has allowed the singer/actress to tap into her childhood experiences.
The actors feel the play is a lifelong lesson for kids and adults to not beat yourself down about the things you don’t accomplish, but rather appreciate the goals you have met.
“We all have cartwheels to overcome; we all have that one thing or two that we want to do,” said Parr.