The Hula-Hoopin' Queen at Young People's Theatre of Chicago

THE HULA-HOOPIN’ QUEEN May 9 - May 31, 2026 Greenhouse Theater Center

YPT’s acclaimed 4th season concludes with Thelma Lynn Goodin’s joyous celebration of family, friends, and community in a close-knit Harlem neighborhood! Gloria Bond Clunie’s spirited adaptation of the award-winning Hula-Hoopin’ Queen runs May 9 – May 31 at Lincoln Park’s historic Greenhouse Theatre Center. For tickets and additional information, visit yptchi.org or call the box office at 773 404 7336.

THE PLAY

The whole neighborhood has the HULA HOOPIN' itch!

Whether she’s doing tricks or rappin’ rhymes, Kameeka lives and breathes hula hoops! But when her friend Jamara challenges her to a winner-take-all contest on the same day as Miz Adeline’s 80th birthday party, Kameeka must decide what matters most. HHQ is an intergenerational honoring of community, friendship, and responsibility that is sure to make audiences of all ages want to find a HOOP!

Adapter Gloria Bond Clunie noted, "I love that we meet Kameeka, a spunky African-American girl who is smart, stubborn, strong, has goals, understands personal and community responsibility— and makes mistakes and then owns up to them. She also finds creative solutions in order to make amends. I love that Kemeeka springs from a rich, caring intergenerational community. And I love the unexpected turn of events that resolves the title of Hula-Hooping Queen through the celebration of elders and a hula-hooping dance party!”

Championed by Oprah Winfrey, (google “Oprah reads Hula-Hoopin Queen”) this sweet, funny, and spirited new play is a joyful reminder of the essentials that bind our communities!