Rootabaga Country (Sarasota Youth Opera)

Music and Libretto by Rachel J. Peters

A whimsical journey of imagination, family, and self‑discovery.

November 7 & 8, 2026

Inspired by Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories, this whimsical adventure follows Gimme the Ax and his children, Please Gimme and Ax Me No Questions, as they journey through the imaginative—but not magical—landscape of Rootabaga Country to learn more about the mother they never knew. Musically crafted for young voices yet rich in character, Rootabaga Country blends playful storytelling with heartfelt themes. Along the way, the family discovers that love and belonging come in many forms, offering a gentle, resonant reflection on curiosity, courage, and the shape of family.