Journey of the Noble Gnarble

Name: Journey of the Noble Gnarble — Little Blue Theatre Company
Start: 2026-07-02T19:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-07-04T14:00:00-05:00
Location: Z. Alexander Looby Theater

Education

Presented by the Blue Sky Ensemble
Our 8-12 year old students

Presented at the Z. Alexander Looby Theatre
2301 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37228

Rehearsals
June 15th - July 2nd

Performances
July 2nd & 3rd at 7pm; July 4th at 2pm

Book, Music & Lyrics by Denver Casado

Based on “The Journey of the Noble Gnarble” by Daniel Errico Illustrations by Tiffany Turrill

The ocean floor is filled with the rarest of creatures, but none are as rare as gnarbles. Their fins are small, their tails are floppy, and they’ve never strayed far from home…until now. Journey of the Noble Gnarble follows one little gnarble with a big dream, determined to swim toward the surface of the sea—past doubting Blyfish, sneaky Subbalubbles, and hungry Plinks – until they finally break through and see the sky.

Scroll down to meet our fabulous teaching artists and learn what to expect.

Why This Story

This story is joyful, strange, and deeply honest about what it means to keep going. The Gnarble is told that their dream is impossible - or not meant for them - and still, they move forward. In a world where young people are often asked to shrink or stay quiet, this story celebrates openness, resilience, and the courage to imagine something more. It reminds us that joy can be an act of resistance, and that pushing oneself toward growth is never easy - but always worth it.

This is a fully produced theatrical experience, created with the same care and rigor as Little Blue’s professional work. Students will collaborate with experienced teaching artists and professional designers.

All students registered for the show will have a spot in the show. We will hold auditions on the first day of camp.

Registration:
$950

Ticket Rate:
$15 (each student receives five free tickets)

Know Before You Go

Daily Information
Drop-off and pick-up take place at the front of the Z. Alexander Looby Theater, including extended care. To help keep everyone safe and accounted for, only adults listed on the authorized pick-up form – with identification or a Little Blue pick-up card—may pick up students.
Students will need to bring a snack, lunch, and water bottle. These food items cannot be refrigerated or microwaved.

Students need to wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes (no Crocs, heels, flip-flops, or heavy boots, please).

Students will bring their script home each day. Families can support the process by helping them remember to bring their script and encouraging at-home practice of lines, music, and choreography.

Performances
Each student will receive five complimentary tickets, which may be used across any of the three performances.
Performances take place at the Z. Alexander Looby Theater, which offers general seating. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime, and the theatre seats approximately 200 patrons.
Bottled water will be available at each performance. Families are welcome to take water as needed. A QR code will be available for those who wish to make a $1 suggested donation per bottle, with all proceeds benefiting the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee.

Students will be called at least two hours before each performance. Before arriving for call time, students should already have hair, makeup, and any required preparation completed, unless otherwise instructed.

Additional FAQs can be found below.

Artistic Team

Jackie Komos (she/her)

Director

Alisa Osborne (she/her)

Music Director

Grace Weaver (she/her)

Choreographer

More to be Announced

FAQs

Do you offer refunds?

We are unable to offer refunds within two weeks of a camp or class start date. If you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellations made more than two weeks in advance are subject to a $50 cancellation fee, unless the registration is kept as a credit on the account.
Contact info@littlebluetheatre.org regarding any registration cancellations or changes.

Do you allow early pickup?

Yes. Early pick-ups are welcome, but must take place at least 30 minutes before the scheduled dismissal time. For example, if dismissal is at 3:00pm, the latest early pick-up would be 2:30pm.

How do you handle health needs, medications, or allergies?

We ask families to share relevant health information during registration so our teaching artists and staff can plan appropriately. Medications, allergies, and other health needs are handled with care and discretion, and families are encouraged to communicate directly with us if questions or needs arise. LBT cannot administer medications, but can remind students to take them on their own.

Are you Peanut/Tree Nut Free?

We are not a peanut- or tree nut–free program. However, hand washing is required after every mealtime. We have chosen to allow peanuts and tree nuts in our camps to ensure all students have access to reliable sources of protein, while continuing to prioritize cleanliness and care for everyone in the space.

How do you support students through behavior or challenges?

Little Blue approaches behavior through care, communication, and collaboration. Our teaching artists are trained to support young people through moments of challenge, conflict, or dysregulation with respect and curiosity. We prioritize safety, dignity, and growth, and partner with families when additional support is helpful. If there is information you’d like to share - such as triggers, preferred regulation strategies, or supportive structures—please include it during the registration process.

How long is the show?

The show will run about 30 minutes.

Is the show sensory friendly?

Yes. Designed from the ground up to be gentle on the senses — with no startling sounds, sudden surprises, or overly emotional intense moments. If your family needs accommodations, email info@littlebluetheatre.org and we’ll do our best to support you.

Is the show appropriate for all ages?

Yes. This production is appropriate for all audiences and aligns with a G-rated experience. The story includes brief moments of bullying, negative self-talk, and self-doubt, but these moments are not intense and are quickly addressed within the narrative, reinforcing themes of resilience, kindness, and growth.

Additional Questions? info@littlebluetheatre.org

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Journey of the Noble Gnarble