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Background

Dream Big is an original, family-friendly musical tale —made possible by a $25,000 grant from the Missouri Humanities Council. It's a story that brings to life the inspiring story of Missouri’s own giantess, Ella “Kate” Ewing.

This heartfelt tribute is inspired by the remarkable life of Ella Kate Ewing — “The Missouri Giantess” — a towering 8’4” woman who defied the odds to become a beloved star of the Barnum and Bailey Circus in the early 20th century. Based on the award-winning children’s book "Stand Straight, Ella Kate" by acclaimed Missouri author Kate Klise, Dream Big blends storytelling and original music to honor Ella’s story of resilience, courage, and self-acceptance. Klise will pen the libretto, with music by Ruell Chappell of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, . At its heart, the production ensures schools and communities nationwide can share Ella’s legacy for years to come.

MUSIC BY

RUELL CHAPPELL

5.15.26

Showtime: 7:30PM

Doors Open: 6:30PM

LYRICS BY

KATE KLISE

Award-winning children's author

TRANSCRIPTION AND ORCHESTRATION BY

ESTIMATED RUN TIME

ENGLISH

SANTIAGO POSADA MARIN

of the OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS

5.17.26

Showtime: 2:30PM

Doors Open: 1:30PM

60 MINUTES

Thank You to our Sponsors:

Zachary Kittrie

Beth and John Raidel

Presenting Producer

Presenting Benefactor

RED CURTAIN AFFAIR

DREAM BIG

Opera-Tunity Express

FREE Monday matinees for K-12

Admission Fee for Adults

Interesting Facts About Ella Kate Ewing

Based on the award-winning children’s book "Stand Straight, Ella Kate" by acclaimed Missouri author Kate Klise, Dream Big blends storytelling and original music to honor Ella’s story of resilience, courage, and self-acceptance.

By age twenty-two Ewing stood eight feet, four inches tall. An everyday dress required twenty-four yards of fabric, an amazing seventy-two feet of material. An elaborate gown Ella wore during exhibitions was made out of eighty yards of cloth, equivalent to 240 feet.

She wore a size 24 shoe that required over three pounds of leather to make.

[Courtesy of the Missouri State Archives]

[Northeast Missouri, Photograph Collection, P1117-009582]

Ewing became world famous in 1897 when she joined the Barnum & Bailey Circus on a nationwide tour

Ewing used her earnings to make her life at home comfortable. She bought a farm and built a house to her exact specifications. To accommodate her height, the doorways were eight feet, eight inches tall and the windows were six feet tall so that she could look outside without bending down.

Visitors can view many of Ella Ewing’s possessions at the Downing House Museum in Memphis, Missouri.

The Downing House Museum

Ella and Her Mother

[Courtesy of the Missouri State Archives]