Quote of the Day: Now I understand that the same road was to bring us together again. Whatever we had missed, we possessed together the precious, the incommunicable past. Willa Cather, My Ántonia. 

Will Dusek as Jimmy and Sara Masterson as Antonia in My Antonia at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 7/12/26. Photo: Dan Norman

The world premiere of a new musical of My Ántonia is playing at Theater Latté Da through July 12, 2026. This sweet story of an immigrant family, the hardships and joys, as well as friendship and community, is brought to life in a gorgeous new musical with songs by The Kilbanes. Back in March of 2020, founding Artistic Director for Theater Latté Da, Peter Rothstein, and Director of New Work, Elissa Adams commissioned this work to be developed by The Kilbanes, (married couple Kate Kilbane and Dan Moses) who wrote the music and lyrics and (also married couple) Noah Brody (who wrote the book) and Jessie Austrian, the Director. The two couples lived on opposite coasts of the United States and worked together to create this beautiful work. The music is so lovely that my companion for the show, Jennifer, looked at me and asked when the cast recording would be available (it isn’t recorded, yet), and she looked up The Kilbanes and added their music to her library.

Sara Masterson as Antonia and cast in My Antonia at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 7/12/26. Photo: Dan Norman

The set, designed by Benjamin Olsen is open and sparse with many movable pieces. The five-piece band, under the direction of Jason Hansen, is on stage. I love watching the musicians while being immersed in a show like this. I sometimes find myself looking for the sound/instrument that I’m hearing, who is playing it, and how it is creating the emotions of what’s happening on stage. I hope they do make a cast recording of My Ántonia. The music is that haunting folk music with melodies and rhythms that speak to my own heart and heritage. I found myself humming a few of the tunes even days after the performance.

In this adaptation of My Ántonia, we are welcomed into the story by Ántonia herself. The actors start to come on stage, or up the aisles, as she reminds us to turn off our modern day devices and settle back into the story. Soon, we’re surrounded by the sounds of the prairie, the strains of the music, and the characters coming to life. Willa Cather, the author of the novel, is one of the characters. She interacts with the character she created, Jim, who represents herself in some ways, and the story she wants to tell of her friend who was much like Ántonia. Em Adam Rosenberg plays Willa and a few other minor characters in the play.

Lillian Hochman, Emily Gunyou Halaas, James Rodríguez, Spencer Chandler in My Antonia at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 7/12/26. Photo: Dan Norman

We first meet Ántonia and Jimmy when they meet on a train ride west to Nebraska. Ántonia’s family are new immigrants to America from Bohemia. Their English language is very limited. Jimmy teaches Ántonia English and their friendship is born. I loved their song during this scene, Name, What Name. Young Ántonia is played by Lillian Hochman and young Jimmy is played by Maddox Tabalba. They are wonderful together, such strong actors with beautiful voices that blend together as wonderfully as their friendship on stage. I want to go back to see the show just to savor their delightful performances.

Sara Masterson as Antonia and cast in My Antonia at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 7/12/26. Photo: Dan Norman

In a heart wrenching scene at the end of Act I, Ántonia transitions from child to young adult, as the actors hold each other and turn. Sara Masterson (who welcomed us to the show at the top of Act I) now plays Ántonia as she shows her strength and grit as a young woman. She works hard on her family’s farm, gets a job in town, fends off unwanted attention, and forms relationships. All along, Jim, now played by Will Dusek stays in her life, until he goes off to college to become a lawyer. They lose each other for a while, but meet again as middle-aged adults. This time Ántonia is played by Emily Gunyou Halaas, and Jim is played by Tom Reed. The journey of their lives and connection comes full circle.

Bradley Greenwald and Sally Wingert play Jimmy’s grandparents, who he goes to Nebraska to live with after his parents die. Spencer Chandler plays Ántonia’s father, and Emily Gunyou Halaas plays her mother. Most of the actors play multiple roles. Anna Hashizume plays Lena and ensemble. James Rodriguez plays Ántonia’s brother and other roles. 

Sara Masterson, Lillian Hochman, Emily Gunyou Halaas, Anna Hashizume in My Antonia at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 7/12/26. Photo: Dan Norman

What a treat to be among the first audience to see this gorgeous new musical. I loved it, and I’m planning on going again and bringing another friend or two. The story speaks to my own family’s immigrant story, coming to America with a hope and a prayer, not fully understanding the new customs and expectations, feeling lost in a new language. It also shows the kindness of neighbors, and the cruelty of the swindlers, the hardships and joys. 

Choreography by Joey Miller. Lovely period costumes by Sarah Bahr. Lighting design by Wu Chen Khoo. Sound Design by Katharine Horowitz. All the elements work beautifully together. You can also be among the first audiences for the world premiere of My Ántonia at Theater Latté Da, through July 12, 2026. Then, I expect it to go on to other theaters around the country. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Write about one of your ancestors. What is their story? What trials and joys did they experience that helped form where you are today?