Tiara's Hat Parade

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Beau Meyer Photography

Lydia Danielle in 'Tiara's Hat Parade.'

Lydia Danielle in 'Tiara's Hat Parade,' Children's Theater of Madison, 2026.

The next production from Children’s Theater of Madison is also a part of the World Premiere Wisconsin schedule. Tiara’s Hat Parade is based on the kids' picture book by Kelly Starling Lyons, and transformed into a stage show by actor-director-playwright Paige Hernandez. It tells the story of a young African American girl who comes up with an idea to help her mother revive her small business; Hernandez’s adaptation features Lydia Danielle playing all the play’s roles. Performances at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

media release: Children’s Theater of Madison (CTM) presents a very special show at the Starlight Theater, MYArts at 1055 E. Mifflin Street from March 7 - 22. Based on the picture book Tiara’s Hat Parade by Kelly Starling Lyons and adapted for the stage by renowned actor/director Paige Hernandez, this production highlights the magic of kindness and creativity in our world.

For more information and to buy tickets go to ctmtheater.org. This is the CTM Community show and people can buy tickets at a discount: PROMO CODE: TIARA2026.

This play is a part of the statewide theater festival World Premiere Wisconsin (https://worldpremierewisconsin.com/) and was co-commissioned with five other TYA theaters (https://www.tyausa.org/) throughout the country: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Children’s Theater of Madison, Orlando Family Stage, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, and The Rose Theater (Omaha, Nebraska). 

The play follows Tiara, who loves helping her mother make fabulous one-of-a-kind hats for the women in her community. Playwright Paige Hernandez conceived Tiara’s Hat Parade as a one-woman show despite the numerous characters in the story. Paige saw the connections with women who wore fabulous hats in church when she was growing up and the popularity of groups like the Red Hat Society. Paige notes that the core message is about kindness and “how to be a good citizen and a good friend.”

Tiara’s Hat Parade is also about confidence, and wearing your clothes with a bit of style and swag. Lydia Danielle, who portrays nine different characters in CTM’s production, says “I have been preparing for this role my whole life” – she is able to bring her characters to life by reflecting on family and friends she has known over the years.The story speaks to the struggles of entrepreneurs in these challenging times, and how creativity can not only uplift one family, but enrich an entire community.

This production is the second time that playwright Paige Hernandez has partnered with CTM. In 2024, Paige developed the popular play, Life Doesn’t Frighten Me: I am Fearless Royalty, based on a poem by Maya Angelou.

The Madison production of Tiara’s Hat Parade will be unique, with a set designed by Seth Howard. Seth was the set designer for CTM’s Cinderella Enchanted Edition, presented last February. Seth has assured  everyone that this show “will be filled with surprises.”

Tiara’s Hat Parade will be performed at the Starlight Theater at MYArts at 1055 E. Mifflin Street, from March 7-22, 2026.