Photo courtesy of Nile Scott Studios.

Presented by Wheelock Family Theatre
Adapted for the stage by John Glore
Based on the book by Kate DiCamillo
Directed by Joshua Rashon Streeter
Composed and Sound Designed by Mackenzie Adamick
Puppet Design by Amanda Gibson
Projection Design by Justin Lahue
Props Design by Saskia Martinez
Scenic Design by Danielle Delafuente
Costume Design by Nia Safarr Banks
Lighting Design by Lawrence A. Ware

Online playbill

February 15 – March 9, 2025
Wheelock Family Theatre
Boston University; Fenway Campus
200 The Riverway
Boston,  MA 02215

Critique by Helen Ganley

BOSTON — Common media often asserts that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, citing a range that stretches from DC’s Doll Man (thirteen inches tall, with an attitude) to Marvel’s Stature (fifty feet and fighting with the Young Avengers). But does this spectrum include a flying, super-strong, philosophy-spouting squirrel? Wheelock Family Theatre’s Flora & Ulysses expands the superhero multiverse beyond traditional humanity, following the story of a comic-obsessed 10-year-old girl and her unlikely superhero protégé as they navigate the trials of suburbia.

Flora & Ulysses is a heartwarming play adapted by John Glore from Kate DiCamillo’s 2013 novel, ” The Illuminated Adventures.” Flora & Ulysses follows 10-year-old Flora Belle Buckman (Livia Ketri), a self-proclaimed cynic who loves superhero comics, as she rescues a squirrel, Ulysses (Chris Stahl), after he gets sucked into a vacuum cleaner. Miraculously, the accident grants Ulysses super strength, flight, and the ability to type poetry, leading Flora on an adventure with her quirky father, George (Damon Singletary); her skeptical mother, Phyllis (Kayla Shimizu); a temporarily blind neighbor boy, William Spiver (Jack Baumrind); and a fierce, squirrel-hating cat named Mr. Klaus—all while discovering the true meaning of friendship, family, and hope. The original novel received the prestigious John Newbery Medal in 2014, recognizing it as the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Chris Stahl stars as the eponymous Ulysses, skillfully manipulating a small squirrel puppet while simultaneously embodying the character’s motivations in human form. Any action that affects Ulysses, Stahl personifies—stumbling post-concussion, sleeping soundly on a quilted bedspread, and waxing poetic with earnest zeal for the newly opened world around him. As Flora Belle Buckman, Livia Ketri shepherds Ulysses through his discoveries. Ketri exudes confidence and gusto, defending her beliefs with unwavering conviction, challenging naysayers, and extolling the reality of her new friend’s powers.

Though I often struggle with the consistent villainization of mothers in media, Kayla Shimizu embodies the primary opposing force as Phyllis Buckman. An innately skeptical romance novelist, Shimizu’s defiance contrasts with Damon Singletary’s blind acceptance as George Buckman. Singletary is boisterous and loving, offering a nurturing counterpart to the more frantic reactions of the other adults. Cheryl McMahon deftly transitions between multiple roles, standing out as the relaxed and laissez-faire Dr. Meescham. A true highlight, however, is Jack Baumrind’s portrayal of William Spiver, brimming with adolescent angst and keenly articulating the intricacies of childhood traumas.

One of the production’s greatest strengths is its use of, superimposing comic-like thought bubbles, definitions of new words, and superhero quotes throughout the show. Danielle Delafuente’s dollhouse-like set serves as the perfect backdrop, with each room meticulously decorated—including a well-placed Boston University diploma—to convey its purpose. Lawrence A. Ware’s lighting design enhances each scene, creating distinct with Mackenzie Adamick’s sound design.

As with every Wheelock Family Theatre production, the inclusion of side-stage closed captions—provided by Alyse Jessica Clinton, Neil Gustafson, and Brian Masters—further underscores the company’s commitment to accessibility.

René Descartes is best known for his philosophical principle: “Je pense, donc je suis,” translated into English as “I think, therefore I am.” As our understanding of the world broadens, we recognize that humans are not the only beings with thoughts and, therefore,   Flora & Ulysses invites us to embrace this idea—to believe, to accept, and to open ourselves to the extraordinary, even when it arrives in the form of a vacuum-powered squirrel.

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