January, 2027

June - July, 2027

Written by TCYT Artistic Director Gabriel Shen, Expectations is a bold, new, sung-through adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel. With a score that blends catchy melodies with emotional authenticity, the show brings out the unique traits and relationships between characters, each an archetype for something larger. 

The show follows the story of Pip, a young orphan boy, and his journey from his simple life as a blacksmith's apprentice to a gentleman. 

The Future of Youth Theatre

As will all TCYT productions, Expectations was written, and will be produced and performed entirely by youth. Given our mission, the show has been developed specifically with youth in mind: characters that are actually our age, subject matter that's appropriate but not cringey, and a wide variety of roles that are rewarding to play. It blends the emotion and beauty of a show like Hadestown, the ensemble energy of Into the Woods, and the drama of Phantom of the Opera.

This world-premiere production will allow us to develop the show in the way that we believe all youth shows should be: "by youth, for youth". We hope that this production will initiate others, and will be performed at youth theatres and high schools across the nation.