Under the Sea with Dredgie McGee

Written and Directed by Matthew Aldwin McGee
Associate Directed by El Chelito
Produced by 1st Stage & Matt-a-Magical
World Premiere

Featuring: Matthew Aldwin McGee, Natalie Cutcher, Ezinne Elele, Suzy Alden, Linda Bard, Lee Gerstenhaber, Jacob Yeh
Scenic Design: Crista Noel Smith
Props Design: Dre Moore
Puppet Design: Matt-a-Magical
Costume Design: Erik Teague and Alison Samantha Johnson
Lighting Design: Alberto Segarra
Sound Design and Additional Compositions & Orchestrations: navi
Original Songs: Charming Disaster
Theme Music: David Dibble
Stage Manager: Justine Morris
ASM: Kaitlyn DeLitta and Hanna Smaglis
Associate Producers: Eric Swartz and Emily Wall

Press & Recognition

“Delightful might be too weak a word. I mean, imagine Pee Wee’s Playhouse through the lens of Pirates of the Caribbean doing The Muppets Show. 1st Stage’s family-friendly Under the Sea with Dredgie McGee is one part variety show, one part meditation on overcoming loss, and an entire treasure chest of stunning visual spectacle!” — DC Theater Arts

“Under the Sea with Dredgie McGee balances the comedy of a variety show, where everything goes wrong, and the deeper themes of finding your inner truth. The characters learn the power of spoken words and the value of the light you can bring to others. Sail along with Dredgie’s crew on their hilarious misadventures that will have the whole family smiling.” — MD Theatre Guide

“Dredgie McGee stands on the shoulders of Henson's work, combining a story that is accessible for younger audiences with plenty of adult humor, in the same way that The Muppets (and the original Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons) were entertaining for both children and adults alike. Throw in a few Monty Python-esque touches, a little Tim Burton, and a nod toward the magic of Harry Potter, and it's a show that will delight and entertain audiences of all ages. McGee, and his Matt-a-Magical production company, are worthy heirs to the legacy of Henson and the worlds he created.” — BroadwayWorld DC

2023 Helen Hayes Awards
Nominated Outstanding Production - Theatre for Young Audiences
Nominated Outstanding Ensemble in a Play - Helen
Nominated Outstanding Sound Design in a Play - Helen (navi)
Nominated Outstanding Costume Design in a Play - Helen (Alison Samantha Johnson & Erik Teague)

Photos by Teresa Castracane