Macy’s department store chain has started developing a musical for schools around the USA. The brand that has been devoted to Broadway for years now brings ‘Yes,Virginia the Musical’ to classes aiming to educate and entertain students. 

Photo: a snapshor from yesvirginiamusical.com

‘Yes,Virginiathe Musical,’ is based on an animated, nonmusical television special, ‘Yes,Virginia,’ that Macy’s has sponsored on CBS since 2009 as part of its Christmas advertising campaign. says The New York Times. The TV project returns to CBS this fall.

Both versions feature children characters so ‘Yes, Virginiathe Musical’ targets students in grades three through six. Macy’s created a web site, yesvirginiamusical.com from which they can download for free content like scripts and scores; production reference materials and much more.

The first 100 accredited schools that apply online will be able to receive Macy’s grants of $1,000 a piece to put on the musical.

“It’s in keeping with Macy’s being an entertainment brand,”, said Betsy Spence, vice president for integrated marketing at Macy’s.

Macy’s Parade and Entertainment Group developed the content, while Wesley Whatley, creative director wrote the music, and William Schermerhorn, vice president and creative director wrote the book and lyrics. The content has no references or allusions to the store, according to the JWT, the agency that developed the concept.

‘Yes,Virginiathe Musical’ is based on a real story. In 1897, The New York Sun editor, Francis Pharcellus Church answered a letter from the 8-year-old Manhattan girl, Virginia O’Hanlon who asked ‘Is There a Santa Claus?’. The editorial that was headlined with this question was reprinted many times.