Rose Summer Camp Registration Opens January 5! Join our mailing list to be notified when registration goes live.
Member Show
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Book by Robert Kauzlaric
Music and Lyrics by George Howe
Based on the novel by Richard and Florence Atwater
With no houses to paint till next spring, Mr. Popper is stuck at home daydreaming of adventures in far-off lands, while Mrs. Popper must scrimp and save just to put beans on the table. But with the unexpected arrival of a spirited penguin named Captain Cook and his entire family of feathered kin, a new opportunity opens up before the Poppers. Suddenly a vaudeville song and dance act unlike any other starts captivating…or waddling through the United States. But will Captain Cook and his family of flippered hatchlings ever make it back home? Come see in this comedy adventure based on the classic book.
If you loved stories like Dr. Doolittle, Curious George, or Madagascar you won’t want to miss this one!
Show Resources
- Plot Tags: High Energy, Fast Paced Adventure, Funny
Accessibility
Shows with ASL Services
Shows with Sensory-Friendly Services
Shows with Audio Descriptive Services
Pay What You Can Availability
Cast
Kyle Thomas
He/Him/His
Mr. Popper
Kyle Thomas
He/Him/His
Kyle Thomas is ecstatic to be returning to The Rose after last appearing as Lefou in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. A Kansas City native, Kyle has performed with Starlight Theatre (Annie, Footloose), New Theatre Restaurant (Joseph…), Artistry MN (42nd Street), Tyrol Hills (Deal: The Musical), and the Fremont Opera House (Murder for Two). Kyle received his BFA in Theatre Direction from Nebraska Wesleyan and his work as a director, choreographer, composer, and music director has also been seen at Omaha Community Playhouse, Midland University, Freshwater Theater, UNO, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Theatre West, Chaska Valley Theatre, MTKC, and the Young Artist Initiative. This one’s for Flora, Leo, and Boaz. Thanks to his beloved wife, Abby.
Natalie Hernandez
She/Her/Hers
Mrs. Popper
Natalie Hernandez
She/Her/Hers
Natalie Hernandez is thrilled to be returning to The Rose Theater stage! She previously portrayed Mom and other fun characters in Pete the Cat the Musical. She is originally from Orlando, FL. She graduated from Flagler College receiving her BA in Theatre Arts along with skills in Arts administration and landed at The Rose to be a part of the education team as a Teaching Artist Fellow, currently in her second year as an Advanced Teaching Artist. She would like to thank The Rose for allowing her to pursue her dream of working with TYA and making kids smile. She would also like to thank her family and friends for their unconditional love and support.
Grace Garrigan
She/Her/Hers
Mrs. Callahan, Gentleman, Curator, Passenger, Mr. Greenbaum, Cab Driver, Copper
Grace Garrigan
She/Her/Hers
Grace is a Teaching Artist Fellow here at The Rose and she is so excited to be a part of the Mr. Popper’s Penguins team! Being from Council Bluffs, Grace grew up going to The Rose, so getting to perform on the Rose mainstage is a dream come true. Before joining The Rose this year, Grace earned her degree in Speech/Theatre Education at Northwest Missouri State. Some of her favorite roles she has performed are Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and Grace Fryer in Radium Girls. She would like to thank her family, the Penguins team, and the whole Rose community for making this experience so wonderful!
Natalie Hanson
She/Her/Hers
Mr. Johnson, Admiral Drake, Delivery Guy, Barber, Reporter, Policeman, Bus Driver, Theater Manager, Sven Svenson
Natalie Hanson
She/Her/Hers
Natalie Hanson is a multidisciplinary performer whose work spans theatre, music, and movement. Recent credits include Mae in The Wild Party (Bluebarn Theatre) and Kodi the Dog in Dragons Love Tacos (The Rose). She is thrilled to share the magic of this charming story through these remarkable puppets. Up next, Natalie heads to Minnesota to appear in Little Shop of Horrors at Duluth Playhouse. Endless love to Mom, Dad, Emilie, and Geoffrey for your unwavering support.
The Rose gives students the opportunity to explore how to perform, use their voice and their imaginations. We appreciate their staff taking the time to educate our young learners.
Teachers, Find School Shows Here!
Learn MoreUpcoming Shows
Member Show
Feb. 20 — Mar. 8, 2026
Member Show
Mar. 13 — 22, 2026
Member Show
Apr. 17 — May. 3, 2026
