Connect2Culture partners with Bright Futures Joplin for Maddi’s Fridge
JOPLIN, MO – Connect2Culture (C2C) is thrilled to partner with Bright Futures Joplin for the upcoming nationally-touring production of Childsplay’s Maddi’s Fridge, a heartfelt children’s play that explores the issue of food insecurity in an accessible way for kids and their families.
“Collaborating with Bright Futures Joplin allows C2C to take this performance beyond the stage,” said Emily Frankoski, Connect2Culture’s Executive Director. “It becomes more than just a show, it becomes a call-to-action, a learning opportunity, and a way to make a direct
impact in our community.”
In conjunction with the performance, C2C and Bright Futures Joplin are collecting snacks for Bright Futures Joplin’s Snack Pack program, which provides food for nearly 600 elementary, middle, and high school students. Community members are encouraged to bring non- perishable snack and granola bars to C2C’s Box Office inside the Cornell Complex during Box Office hours (Tue–Sat | 1–5 pm) beginning October 1st through 11th.
Those who contribute will be entered into a drawing to win a free copy of the book Maddi’s Fridge by author Lois
Brandt.
“Bright Futures Joplin is committed to supporting students who are facing food insecurity, and we can’t do it without the help of our incredible community,” Amanda Stone, Executive Director of Bright Futures Joplin, said. “Our Snack Pack program makes a real difference in the lives of local kids, and this is such a great way to get involved.”
Childsplay’s production of Maddi’s Fridge
Sat, Oct. 11, 2025 | 2pm (doors open at 1:30pm)
C2C Venue: Beshore Performance Hall, Cornell Complex (212 W 7 th St, Joplin, MO
64801)
Ticket Prices: Kids $5 | Adults $20
Genre: Children’s Theater • Grades 1st–6th
Best friends Maddi and Sofia share everything—until Sofia discovers Maddi has no food in her fridge. Maddi makes Sofia promise not to tell anyone, but Sofia is determined to help. As she sneaks food into her backpack, Sofia learns that while fish and eggs are great for people, they aren’t so great for backpacks. Can Sofia keep her word and still find a way to help her friend? Based on Lois Brandt’s award-winning book, Maddi’s Fridge is a thoughtful and funny play that explores friendship, empathy, and doing the right thing.
Produced by Childsplay, an acclaimed professional theatre company dedicated to creating strikingly original productions for young audiences, Maddi’s Fridge engages
children and families with heartfelt storytelling and imaginative staging. For nearly five decades, Childsplay has inspired generations through performances and educational programs that emphasize creativity, literacy, and a love for the arts.
To learn more about Bright Futures Joplin, visit brightfutures.org
To learn more about Childsplay, visit childsplayaz.org.
A full list of performances; an explanation of each series (Curtains Up Series, Cornell Series, and Ignite Series) and season tickets; artist bios, photos, and links; and more can be found in the official press kit: https://connect2culture.box.com/v/c2c-performances-25-26. The public is encouraged to visit https://connect2culture.org/our-season to learn more about each artist in C2C’s 2025-2026 season.
Connect2Culture (C2C) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to igniting a passion for the arts, culture, and entertainment. As Joplin, MO’s community arts agency and a presenter of exceptional performances, C2C enriches the cultural fabric of the region.
All performances are hosted at its home, the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex.