Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre invites audiences to experience Dandelion, a 23-song original musical based on a true story that will resonate with families everywhere. Brought to life in just months with limited resources and running April 23-26, 2026, at Studio 60 in the MSU Auditorium, this new musical tells the story of a daughter who longs to leave home but is torn between caring for her mother and pursuing her own dreams.
“I immediately recognized Dandelion as a compelling and meaningful work to develop at MSU,” said Adam Yankowy, Director and Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at MSU. “Its music is both beautiful and emotionally resonant, and its story feels urgently relevant.”
With book by Jessica Francis Fichter and Hailee Beltzhoover Zuniga, music and lyrics by Colleen Francis, additional music and lyrics by Bill Zeffiro and Hailee Beltzhoover Zuniga, and additional book by Sean Riehm, Dandelion tells the poignant and uplifting story of Jane, a senior in high school, who faces profound questions of responsibility and sacrifice when she must decide between moving away to college to pursue her lifelong dream or staying home to care for her mother who struggles with mental illness and addiction.
“We sought to create a musical born of and for our time,” Fichter said. “We have worked to honestly depict the true toll of addiction and mental illness, both on the afflicted and their loved ones, and to examine traditional expectations of female responsibility when questions surrounding prevailing gender roles are being raised with increasing intensity.”
Over the past six months, MSU students and the creative team have collaborated with the Dandelion writers to shape the story for the stage.
“There have been several changes to character arcs, and the team wrote a new opening sequence,” Yankowy said. “The MSU audience will be the first to experience it.”
With a talented 13-student cast, the MSU production gives the Dandelion writers the opportunity to explore students’ perspectives on the roles of the 18- and 25-year-old characters, and to have space and time to explore rewrites without pressure.
“We have done a workshop production in South Carolina, and concerts and readings in New York City, and this workshop will also give us an audience perspective from another part of the country as we continue to work to make the story both specific and universal to audiences,” Fichter said. “Our hope is for audience members to leave our show feeling their intimate struggles were represented truthfully, as nearly everyone has encountered mental illness or addiction in some capacity. Most importantly, we hope audience members will leave feeling inspired that their sacrifices, too, are worthwhile, and ultimately, against all challenges, that their lives are truly their own to live.”
“We hope audience members will leave feeling inspired that their sacrifices, too, are worthwhile, and ultimately, against all challenges, that their lives are truly their own to live.”
Jessica Francis Fichter, writer of Dandelion
Dandelion is part of MSU’s Storefront Theatre Series, which encourages creativity within the constraints of limited props, costumes, and time, challenging students to create bold work under pressure. The project is supported by campus and community collaborations.
“We are grateful to have had Dr. Jonathan Ritz, Director of Student Wellness in the College of Arts & Letters, join us early in the rehearsal process to guide our students in building sustainable self-care practices, which is especially important when engaging with emotionally demanding material,” Yankowy said. “We are partnering with Buddy’s Pals, who will be available to support audience members who may benefit from access to a service animal before or during the performance.”
Assistant Director and Dramaturg Katelyn Kraemer says the musical’s impact comes from the way it blends difficult truths with hope and healing.
“The title, Dandelion, references the flower often viewed as a weed that can grow in the toughest of places,” Kraemer said. “Dandelions symbolize resilience, hope, and healing.”
Kraemer adds that the story is “filled with universal truths” and shines a light on topics often left unspoken, including mental health, family dynamics, and the challenge of honoring your younger self while pursuing your dreams.
“I hope audiences leave Dandelion,” Kraemer said, “with a renewed appreciation for mental health, compassion for their younger selves, and the courage to pursue their dreams — one wish, one step, and one dandelion at a time.”
Following every performance, there will be a post-show Q&A with the writers and representatives from the mental health community. Audience members are invited to stay, reflect, and share their responses as these insights are a vital part of the new work development process.
This deeply personal story, inspired by true events, is sure to offer audiences a moving and impactful theatrical experience. Dandelion is the final production in the MSU Department of Theatre’s 2025-2026 Season.
Content Notice
Depictions of mental illness, addiction, overdose, medical system, mentions of self-harm and suicide, drugs/medication.
Performances
- Thursday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 25, 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, April 26, 2 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at whartoncenter.com, in person at the Wharton Center Ticket Office, by calling 517-432-2000 or 1-800-WHARTON.
- General Admission: $15
- MSU Students: FREE ticket per student with valid MSU ID. Pick up the free ticket an hour before the performance or day of/days prior at the Wharton Center Ticket Office.
By Buu-Tran Duong and Kim Popiolek
