Opening March 7th, CTM brings Tiara’s Hat Parade to Premiere in Wisconsin!
A Celebration of Black Hat Culture, Adapted and Directed by Paige Hernandez
MADISON, WI — February 4, 2026 — Children’s Theater of Madison (CTM) presents a very special show at the Starlight Theater, MYArts at 1055 E. Mifflin Street from March 7 - 22. Based on the picture book Tiara’s Hat Parade by Kelly Starling Lyons and adapted for the stage by renowned Actor/Director Paige Hernandez, this production highlights the magic of kindness and creativity in our world.
This play is a part of the statewide theater festival World Premiere Wisconsin (https://worldpremierewisconsin.com/) and was co-commissioned with 5 other TYA theaters (https://www.tyausa.org/) throughout the country: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Children’s Theater of Madison, Orlando Family Stage, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, and The Rose Theater (Omaha, Nebraska).
The play follows Tiara, who loves helping her mother make fabulous one-of-a-kind hats for the women in her community. Playwright Paige Hernandez conceived Tiara’s Hat Parade as a one-woman show despite the numerous characters in the story. Paige saw the connections with women who wore fabulous hats in church when she was growing up and the popularity of groups like the Red Hat Society. Paige notes that the core message is about kindness and “how to be a good citizen and a good friend.”
Tiara’s Hat Parade is also about confidence, and wearing your clothes with a bit of style and swag. Lydia Danielle, who portrays nine different characters in CTM’s production, says “I have been preparing for this role my whole life” – she is able to bring her characters to life by reflecting on family and friends she has known over the years.The story speaks to the struggles of entrepreneurs in these challenging times, and how creativity can not only uplift one family, but enrich an entire community.
This production is the second time that playwright Paige Hernandez has partnered with CTM. In 2024, Paige developed the popular play, Life Doesn’t Frighten Me: I am Fearless Royalty, based on a poem by Maya Angelou.
The Madison production of Tiara’s Hat Parade will be unique, with a set designed by Seth Howard. Seth was the set designer for CTM’s Cinderella Enchanted Edition, presented last February. Seth has assured everyone that this show “will be filled with surprises.”
Tiara’s Hat Parade will be performed at the Starlight Theater at MYArts at 1055 E. Mifflin Street, from March 7-22, 2026.
Published on February 6, 2026
