The Wonders of the Shrub Steppe Musical

Come see an original musical celebrating the beauty, diversity, and resilience of Eastern Washington's shrub steppe ecosystem will take the stage at Morgan Performing Arts Center this July.
Written by Ellensburg residents Kyle Bain and Natalia Parker, The Wonders of the Shrub Steppe began as a passion project in 2023 with support from the Ellensburg Arts Commission. The family-friendly musical blends humor, heart, and original music while introducing audiences to the remarkable plants and animals that call the shrub steppe home.
The story follows Sophia, a young girl who reluctantly moves with her family to Eastern Washington. Unimpressed by the seemingly barren landscape, Sophia dreams of a wise badger named Francis, who leads her on an unforgettable journey through the shrub steppe. Along the way she meets colorful plants and animals—each with its own story, personality, and original song—and begins to understand the beauty and importance of this often-overlooked ecosystem. As the threat of development draws closer, Sophia discovers that even one person can become a powerful advocate for the places they love.