Connect2Culture, Bright Futures Joplin partner to provide national children's play

(From Connect2Culture)

Connect2Culture (C2C) is thrilled to partner with Bright Futures Joplin for the upcoming nationally-touring production of Childsplay’s Maddi’s Fridge, a heartfelt children’s play that explores the issue of food insecurity in an accessible way for kids and their families.

“Collaborating with Bright Futures Joplin allows C2C to take this performance beyond the stage,” said Emily Frankoski, Connect2Culture’s Executive Director. “It becomes more than just a show, it becomes a call-to-action, a learning opportunity, and a way to make a direct impact in our community.”

In conjunction with the performance, C2C and Bright Futures Joplin are collecting snacks for Bright Futures Joplin’s Snack Pack program, which provides food for nearly 600 elementary, middle, and high school students. Community members are encouraged to bring non-perishable snack and granola bars to C2C’s Box Office inside the Cornell Complex during Box Office hours (Tue–Sat | 1–5 pm) beginning October 1st through 11th. Those who contribute will be entered into a drawing to win a free copy of the book Maddi’s Fridge by author Lois Brandt.

“Bright Futures Joplin is committed to supporting students who are facing food insecurity, and we can’t do it without the help of our incredible community,” Amanda Stone, Executive Director of Bright Futures Joplin, said. “Our Snack Pack program makes a real difference in the lives of local kids, and this is such a great way to get involved.”

Childsplay’s production of Maddi’s Fridge

Sat, Oct. 11, 2025 | 2pm (doors open at 1:30pm)

C2C Venue: Beshore Performance Hall, Cornell Complex (212 W 7th St, Joplin, MO 64801)

Ticket Prices: Kids $5 | Adults $20

Genre: Children's Theater • Grades 1st–6th

Best friends Maddi and Sofia share everything—until Sofia discovers Maddi has no food in her fridge. Maddi makes Sofia promise not to tell anyone, but Sofia is determined to help. As she sneaks food into her backpack, Sofia learns that while fish and eggs are great for people, they aren’t so great for backpacks. Can Sofia keep her word and still find a way to help her friend? Based on Lois Brandt’s award-winning book, Maddi’s Fridge is a thoughtful and funny play that explores friendship, empathy, and doing the right thing.

Produced by Childsplay, an acclaimed professional theatre company dedicated to creating strikingly original productions for young audiences, Maddi’s Fridge engages children and families with heartfelt storytelling and imaginative staging. 

For nearly five decades, Childsplay has inspired generations through performances and educational programs that emphasize creativity, literacy, and a love for the arts.

To learn more about Bright Futures Joplin, visit brightfuturesjoplin.org.

To learn more about Childsplay, visit childsplayaz.org.