(Above: Firebringer at The Very Little Theatre features a mostly female cast, including left to right, Clare Brennan, Brianna Jubber, and Chelsea King. Photo by Falling Tide Creative.)

Edited by Randi Bjornstad

Here’s how The Very Little Theatre introduces Firebringer, on stage at VLT from April 4-20, 2025:

“Set in the Stone Age, Firebringer follows two women with divergent approaches to life:
Jemilla, the tribe’s leader who upholds tradition, and Zazzalil, a rebellious innovator who
challenges the status quo. As the tribe navigates their primitive world, they grapple with
the balance between safety and progress — all while worshiping a duck.

“With a majority-female cast, Firebringer challenges traditional narratives, celebrating female leadership and innovation. The script is filled with sharp wit, irreverent humor and
catchy music. (This show contains college humor and swearing throughout. Be advised.)”

For a bit of background, Firebringer had its first production in Chicago in 2016. It was written by StarKid Productions, aka Team StarKid, funded by a Kickstarter campaign. It has become something of a cult classic, with well over 5 million views on YouTube, and has been performed many times at college and community theaters throughout the country.

The show features music and lyrics by Meredith Stepien and Mark Swiderski, with book (aka story) by Nick Lang, Matt Lang, and Brian Holden, and arranged by Clark Baxtresser and Pierce Siebers.

The VLT version is directed by Adrienne West.

The cast includes (real names followed by character names in parentheses) Rene Ragan (Moleg), Delaine Burns (Jemilla), Briana Jubber (Zazzalil), Chelsea King (Emberly), Zoë Banuelos (Shwoopsie), Moura Stewart (Chorn), Shamra Clark (Tiblyn), Clare Brennan (Keeri), Chad Lowe (Grunt/Grant), Chris Ridgley (Smelly Balls), and Max Arnold (Ducker), plus ensemble roles by Andrew Nelson, Thomas Weaver, Melinda Meyer, and Violet Linder-Lally.

Firebringer at The VLT

When: Evenings at 7:30 p.m. on April 4-5, 11-12, and 17-19; Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on April 6, 13, and 20

Where: The Very Little Theatre, 2350 Hilyard St., Eugene

Tickets: $31 except $26 for the Thursday performance on April 17; available through the VLT box office at 541-344-7751 or online at thevlt.com