STOA, a unique musical production written by local author, filmmaker, and now composer, Alivia Tagliaferri, will be presented at Clarke Chapel, Lycoming College, January 9 to 18.
Webb Weekly interviewed Tagliaferri to gain more understanding from her about this noteworthy musical and educational undertaking.
What is STOA: A New Musical Journey about?
“This original children’s musical follows the journey of STOA, an older black bear known as the den mother of the forest. She guides the young animals, teaching them the wisdom of the trees and the soul songs gifted by Mother Tree,” Tagliaferri told Webb Weekly.
“When STOA becomes a mother herself, she discovers that she has just as much to learn as she has to teach — about love, friendship, our true nature, and what it truly means to connect. At its heart, STOA is a warm and hopeful story about the strength of love and connection.
“Director and Producer Jared Whitford and Musical Director and Co-Composer Sarah Keely Decker have played an essential role in shaping the script and guiding the story into the production being staged today.”
How did STOA come about?
“Well, it’s a story sewn very close to my own life experiences. The first song came to me the night I learned I was pregnant —although at the time, I had no idea it would become the anchor for a musical. I had just come through a few years of personal hardship, and during that period, I learned to make peace with life taking unplanned turns — and with the growth that comes from new experiences, both positive and negative. I also came to understand that, even though I wasn’t yet a mother, I had experienced motherhood in many ways throughout my life. That realization was pivotal for me because shortly thereafter, I learned I was pregnant with my son, John. During my pregnancy, new songs continued to come to me, and I would sing them to him — and record them into my phone so I wouldn’t forget. Shortly after he was born, I realized these songs were part of something larger, and that there was a story waiting to be told”.
What should the public expect from this?
“STOA is a family-friendly musical designed for audiences of all ages, with characters and themes that resonate across generations. Rooted in nature, the story explores connection — to the natural world, to one another, and to ourselves. This musical celebrates love, friendship, courage, resilience, and community, with a special emphasis on family and connection in its many forms.”
“STOA creates a shared experience that invites audiences to feel connected to one another and to the story.”
What do you want people to take away from this?
“I hope audiences leave feeling the enduring magic of love, friendship, and community.”
“STOA fuses story and song with spirit and resilience. It is a journey through love, loss, and overcoming adversity — celebrating growth we never knew was possible and the strength found in our connections.”
Is there anything else you wish to add?
“STOA is truly a community story and a community effort. From the earliest workshops to the music, direction, and cast, this project has grown because of people who believed in it from the very beginning. We are deeply grateful to our friends, families, sponsors, and surrounding communities, and honored to partner with Lycoming College for providing such a beautiful space. Working with President Chip Edmonds and his Executive Assistant, Gwynne Kinley, has been a joy, and their support has been instrumental in bringing STOA to the stage.”
“We are also proud to offer a Sensory-Friendly Performance on Saturday, January 17 at 2 p.m. This performance will feature reduced sound and lighting, flexible seating, and a welcoming environment for children and families with sensory considerations. A “What to Expect ” booklet will be provided, and the performance will be offered at a reduced cost to support accessibility.”
Sara Keely Decker had this to say about STOA.
“During the opening number, our beloved bear, Stoa, sings the phrase: ‘This story is mine and yours.” A simple lyric, but her words capture the heart of what this musical means to me and, in a broader sense, why we create art: in the sharing of story, song, art, and dance, we share our humanity and find connection with each other. STOA: A New Musical Journey reminds me (and hopefully, audiences, too!) of that beautiful truth.”
Another key individual involved in STOA, Jared Whitford, said, “STOA is so magical because it’s all of the homegrown talent and the talent of the professionals working on it. I am the luckiest person in the world to be trusted to shepherd this show onto the stage! I can’t wait for young kids and their parents to experience our resounding message — in nature, all things are possible.”
Public Performances
– Friday, January 9 at 7:30 p.m. (limited seating)
– Saturday, January 10 at 7:00 p.m.
– Sunday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m.
– Friday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m.
– Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m.
– Sunday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m.
School Matinees
Daytime performances for local elementary schools will be offered during the week of January 12–16, supported by generous local sponsors.
Teachers and administrators may contact the creative team for booking details.
Tickets are available online securely through On the Stage at http://www.stoabear.com or in person at Tag’s Take Out 1116 Market St., Williamsport.
Group and Corporate Ticketing
Flexible packages are available to make attending as a group easy and affordable for businesses, schools, organizations, and community groups.
SHOW CAST and CREW
STOA features professional actors from New York City and Boston, as well as local talent.
– Wesley Thompson, John Bear
– Greyson Pham, John Bear
– Sara Sneed, STOA
– Bebe Tabickman, Zelby, Other Roles
– Samantha Lee Mason, Hype the Hare, Other Roles
– Kyla Brookhart, Sam Bee, Other Roles
Crew:
– Eliza Flanagan, Stage Manager (Lycoming College Student)
– Chris Bird, Technical Director
Musicians (Local)
– Piano, Bethany Fisher
– Violin, Sarah Hamm
– Guitar/Banjo, Karl Fisher
– Bass, Conrad Mailleue
– Drums, Gretchen Carpenter
