Broadway Utica Brings the Magic of Pinkalicious and Mister C to Hundreds of Young Students at Rome Capitol Theater

Broadway Utica opened the majestic doors of the Rome Capitol Theater to hundreds of young students across Oneida County, offering them an unforgettable introduction to the magic of live theater. For many, this was their first encounter with the enchantment of the stage, and through two extraordinary events, Broadway Utica planted seeds of imagination that will grow for years to come.

Pre-K through 2nd graders walked down the long aisles and into the velvet-chiseled seats, popcorn and water in hand, settling in as the theater transformed into a vibrant pink wonderland for Pinkalicious The Musical, based on the beloved children’s book by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann. As Pinkalicious’s world turned an enchanting shade of pink, the theater buzzed with delighted laughter. The vivid, pink-filled world captivated the young audience as they followed Pinkalicious on her journey of indulgence with too many pink cupcakes, only to find herself turned entirely pink.

Pinkalicious’s colorful adventure sparked conversations about choices, moderation, and how we balance our desires. As the curtain fell, the air buzzed with excitement, with students already eager to return for another dose of theatrical magic. “My 1st Graders loved Pinkalicious!” said Mrs. Asaro, 1st grade teacher at Albany Elementary School in Utica. “They were excited to see the show after we read a few of the books together! It was so fun to watch the students experience a live show, for some of them this was their first ever, the magic in their eyes was very memorable! The students were very excited to have popcorn and a drink as well.”

Just three days later, older elementary students returned to the theater for an entirely different kind of adventure—Mister C Live. Known for his Emmy-nominated Full STEAM Ahead program, Mister C turned the theater into an interactive science lab, inviting the young audience to become his “science crew” for a day of mind-blowing experiments. With infectious enthusiasm and humor, Mister C brought the wonders of science to life in a way that was both educational and thrilling.

From fizzing chemical reactions to DIY rocket launches, the students were mesmerized by each experiment. The entire theater was electric with excitement as small explosions lit up the stage, and colorful streamers shot into the air. Mister C’s performance wasn’t just a lesson—it was a high-energy celebration of curiosity and creativity. For many students, this was the first time science felt like pure magic—an exciting, hands-on adventure where anything was possible.

By the end of the show, each child had been sparked by a fire of curiosity, revealing that science isn’t just a subject—it’s an endless world of discovery that beckons with joy and possibility.

These two incredible events were part of UticaWorx, a powerful initiative from Broadway Utica that is redefining arts education in the region. UticaWorx is built on the belief that every child deserves to experience the magic of the arts, regardless of background. Through performances like Pinkalicious and Mister C Live, Broadway Utica isn’t just creating audiences; they are nurturing the next generation of artists, scientists, and dreamers who will shape our world.

For over 65 years, Broadway Utica has been a champion of arts education in the Mohawk Valley. As a non-profit organization, Broadway Utica relies on the generosity of individuals, foundations, and corporations to keep the arts alive in the community. Ticket sales alone cannot fund these life-changing programs, and it is through the vision and kindness of donors that initiatives like UticaWorx continue to thrive.

Supporting Broadway Utica goes beyond bringing performances to the stage—it’s an investment in young minds, creativity, and a world of endless possibilities. With the community’s support, they can ensure that every child has access to the arts and experiences to keep them dreaming big, thinking creatively, and discovering their passions.

If you are interested in donating, you can do so directly through the Community Foundation HERE.