Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical
Lily Polkadot has just moved to Rockaway. As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her classmates. From daily bullying to segregated drinking fountains, Lily’s quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadots blooms into an unexpected pal-ship. This colorful history lesson reminds us that our differences make us awesome.
Suggested reading: I Am Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges
Start the year strong: School Supply Drive. The Playhouse invites our guests to join us in celebrating the message of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical – that our differences make us stronger and everyone deserves a place to belong. At each performance, we will collect school supplies in our lobby: notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers, and backpacks. Items collected will be given to Des Moines Public Schools and United Way in support of local students and families. Inspired by stories like I Am Ruby Bridges, Polkadots reminds us that access and opportunity matter. Your donation helps ensure that every child can walk into their classroom feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn. Together, we can make a difference—one student, one supply, one act of kindness at a time.
NEW Sensory-friendly performance: The 4:00 PM, Sunday, May 10, 2026, performance will be modified to be more accessible and comfortable for audience members who might find the traditional theatre environment overwhelming. The IRIS Sensation Team will provide free audio description. The Playhouse can provide for those who have the need for ASL translations with advance notice. Please contact the ticket office at 515.277.6261 as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be made for all requests. Click here to learn more about sensory-friendly performances at The Playhouse.
Listen to the World Premiere recording of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical on Spotify.
If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please fill out this form. We have Playhouse donors who have generously supported a limited number of pay-what-you-can tickets for distribution. Requests should be made prior to opening night.
Click here to download a PDF of Polkadots P Bill Jr.
- Performance Times:
- 7:00 PM Fridays; 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays
- School Matinees:
- 9:30 AM & Noon, Tuesdays, May 12 & 19, 2026
- Theatre:
- Kate Goldman Family Series in the Studio Theatre
- Run Time:
- 65 minutes performed without intermission
- Content Advisory:
- Playhouse family theatre productions are intended for ages 5 and up.
- Download Playbill
