Metro Theater Company’s latest offering is a brilliant production of a delightful new musical, Last Stop on Market Street.

The show is based on the multiple-award-winning children’s book of the same name, which was written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Cheryl L. West adapted the book for the stage. Lamont Dozier and Paris Ray Dozier wrote the music and lyrics.

The story is about CJ, a seven-year-old boy who must spend four days with his Nana while his parents are away on business. CJ’s anxiety about the visit is off the charts. He is counting the hours until he will be back home. He is especially upset when his Nana takes away his phone and his tablet.

CJ’s stress does not diminish, and his behavior does not improve until he takes a bus ride with his Nana to the soup kitchen where she volunteers. There CJ learns important life lessons about being open to new people who do not have the privileges he has always taken from granted. When CJ reaches out to others, he finds his own happiness.

West’s script fills the stage with enlivening action. The Doziers (father and son) provide an irresistible score.

Denise Thimes’ marvelous portrayal of Nana captures both her warmth and her toughness and brings absolute mastery of musical styles ranging from hip-hop to gospel. One of the highlights is a ballad for Nana and CJ.

There and elsewhere, Daniel McRath is a splendid partner for Thimes. He is fully convincing as a seven-year-old who cannot cope with unfamiliar surroundings.

The excellent ensemble includes Robert Crenshaw, Valentina Silva, Cameron Tyler, and Tyler White. They act as a chorus in musical numbers and play a variety of quirky characters on the bus ride and at the soup kitchen.

The scenic design by Margery and Peter Spack uses bold colors and rich detail. Some of the set pieces are on wheels to facilitate changing the location. The movement of the scenery is so well planned and executed that scene changes are fun to watch. The assembly of the bus from separate pieces is a tour de force.

The look and sound of the show benefit greatly from Felia Davenport’s costumes. Jayson M. Lawshee’s lighting, Jackpot Sharp’s sound, and Emily Frei’s props.

The production features exemplary work throughout by director Jacqueline Thompson, musical director Philip A. Woodmore, and choreographer Christopher Page-Sanders. Woodmore and Courtney J’mell Smith are the musicians.

Last Stop on Market Street continues through February 27 at the Grandel Theatre, with socially distant seating. A virtual streaming option is available February 11–27 at metroplays.org.

—Gerry Kowarsky

Photo by Jennifer A. Lin