Families are Raving About Dory Fantasmagory at Imagination Stage

July 13, 2025 – By Avery Oram

Cover image provided by Imagination Stage – photo by Margot Schulman

The play Dory Fantasmagory is based on the book series of the same name by Abby Hanlon. It provides insight into the experience of being the youngest sibling in a family. Dory’s siblings won’t play with her and there are monsters to battle all over the house, like the hair-raising Mrs. Gobble Gracker. With the help of her fairy godfather, Mr. Nuggy, and her monster-friend, Mary, along with her mighty imagination, Dory sets out to win her family’s attention and impress her siblings. 

Audience Reactions

After the show, I spoke to audience members Owen(5), Isla(8), and Allison Hasser(Mom) to get their thoughts on the play. “I really enjoyed the play as well as the books that made me want to see the play,” said Isla. “I really liked the costumes and thought the actors were great and that the actors differentiated their characters,” said Allison Hasser. Owen “really enjoyed the play as a whole.”

Insights from the Cast

Several cast members also shared highlights of their roles in the play. Ethan Miller, who played Luke and Mr. Nuggy, said he “most enjoyed the goofyness of getting to play a garden gnome.” Sumie Yotsukura, who played Dory’s older sister Violet, said “I most enjoyed the vibe of the whole production and I love the cast and my entire team and it feels like a big happy family.”

Imagination Stage’s Chief Managing Officer, Layne Holley, shared what inspired her about the play. “I loved the book and the Dory series is such a fascinating story and I wanted to share the wonderful vision of what sibling relationships are like and what they can be.“

Where to Watch?

Dory Fantasmagory will be showing at the Imagination Stage in Bethesda through August 3rd.

“Weekday and weekend matinees for the general public are Tuesdays through Saturdays and some Sundays and Mondays, including some special performances (listed below). The full calendar is here. Tickets are $15 and up and may be purchased online at imaginationstage.org, in person at Imagination Stage’s box office, or via phone at 301-280-1660. Group rates are available for parties of 10+.  $10 Tickets for Federal Employees and Contractors who have lost their jobs since January. Call the box office (301-280-1660) to get this discount.”

Images provided by Imagination Stage all rights belong to them

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