Production History



"Six Stories Tall illustrates the many forms of heroism without didacticism and with a lot of street smarts." -Chicago Tribune


"Stunning...while [Six Stories Tall] doesn't involve Santa, a manger or a dreidel, that's no matter: With Batman, the devil and evil ninjas instead, your kids won’t care." -Time Out Chicago Kids

"Six Stories Tall is an entertaining, energetic and educational journey to the center of a fun, funky earth brimming with positivity." -Chicago Theater Beat

"Tom Arvetis directs his unbelievably creative, energetic cast with outside-of-the-box imagination and style. Imagination, intelligence and integrity are the hallmarks of this must-see production." -Chicago Theatre Review

"Six Stories Tall inspires and excites while reminding audiences that everyone is a hero in some way." -centerstagechicago.com

Reader Recommended! "Similar to Mary Zimmerman's Metamorphoses in structure and inventiveness..." -Chicago Reader


WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A HERO?


Inspired by Hispanic folklore, SIX STORIES TALL is a storytelling spectacle unlike anything ever seen on our stage. Featuring a  live DJ and incorporating a unique mix of narrative influences including comic books, video games, hip-hop music and mythology, the six fantastical tales that comprise this remarkable play create a thrilling, heartfelt journey that families will not soon forget.


SIX STORIES TALL is a play of six stories that commissioned by Washington D.C.’s The Kennedy Center, where it made its premiere in October 2008 under the title Mermaids, Monsters and the World Painted Purple and was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for Best New Play. One of the stories in the play, “I Am Not Batman,” was part of the 2007 Humana Festival and won the Heideman Award for Best 10-Minute Play before being incorporated into the complete script of Mermaids, Monsters and the World Painted Purple. The Adventure Stage Chicago production marks only the second time the complete play has been staged, and the first time under its new title.

Recommended for ages 8 and older (grades 3 and above).

Show artwork by Ben Rumback.