About

As part of the City of Sierra Madre’s One Book One City Reading Program, Sierra Madre Playhouse is proud to present a staged reading of The World’s Strongest Librarian by Jeff Gottesfeld and Elizabeth Wong, based on the book by Josh Hanagarne. This special free event invites the community to experience the magic of live theater while engaging with the themes of this year’s selected book, What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama. No RSVP is required—just come and enjoy an evening of storytelling, heart, and resilience.

Back by popular demand, The World’s Strongest Librarian is produced by Alison Kalmus and Catherine Addé and explores the impact of libraries, literature, and the unexpected friendships that change our lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to gather, reflect, and celebrate the transformative power of books.

CAST:

Christopher Showerman (Josh) -- is best known for his role as George in the 2003 sequel George of the Jungle 2.  Showerman grew up in rural Michigan where he studied and taught music until moving to Los Angeles in the late 90’s.  He has acted in over 70 TV and feature projects as well as live theater.  Some of his credits include American Housewife, Truth Be Told, Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D, Scorpion, Supergirl, CSI Miami, and the Saturn Award winning independent film Encounter.  His directorial debut, Radio America, is a music drama for which he also wrote the script and songs.  Showerman is also passionate about fitness, for which he has been featured in several print and online articles.  He is excited to be invited back for this encore performance of World's Strongest Librarian.

Tessa Breton (Bobbie) – is a member of the AKT Advanced Repertory at the Sierra Madre Playhouse. Previous local theater roles include Lavender from Matilda and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. Tessa competed in DTASC, winning the monologue division. She is grateful to Mrs. Kalmus and, especially, to her parents for this opportunity.

Arden Shia (Mr. T.) -- has been with Mrs. Kalmus for two years and is a member of the Advanced Repertory. He enjoys a variety of hobbies including water polo, chess, and playing the saxophone. Arden recently performed as Willie in The Orphan’s Revenge at The Group Repertory. 

Riley Soto (Quintessence) -- has been attending the AKT Academy at Sierra Madre Playhouse since Spring of 2023 and was recently invited to join the Advanced Repertory Performance. Riley previously participated in the student-led Broadway Belts at Aveson School of Leadership in The Little Mermaid where she played Jetsam. Thanks to my Family and Mrs. Kalmus for their support.

Rhiannon Soto (Miss.Garcia) -- is a preschool teacher at Sierra Madre Community Nursery School, where she utilizes her BA in Theatre Performance every day with children through song, stories, and play. Performing with her daughter in this program, she is excited to be back on stage for the first time in over a decade. 

Helen Sun (Peyton) -- attends Highland Oaks Elementary School. She excels in soccer and tennis, loves acting, is an expert skier, and plays both the piano and violin. She has attended the AKT Academy at Sierra Madre Playhouse for a year and will join the Advanced Repertory next summer.

SYNOPSIS:

A play about the power of books, muscles, and human kindness, The World’s Strongest Librarian follows Josh (or Jo), a dedicated children’s librarian in a struggling public library facing a major budget crisis. A power lifter by passion, Josh spends his time between leading unconventional story hours and lifting weights in the library basement, all while sharing his love for books through an online video blog. His enthusiasm inspires young readers—except for one, a loner named Mr. T (or Ms. T), whose loud tics from Tourette syndrome set them apart.

As an unlikely friendship grows between Josh and Mr. T, the two find common ground in strength—both physical and emotional. When the library faces closure, the community must rally together, culminating in a '60s-style Read-In to save their beloved space. With a surprising twist at the end, The World’s Strongest Librarian is a heartwarming tale that will leave audiences uplifted and inspired to read, grow, and embrace kindness.