Stages Theatre Company presents

The Right Thing to Do: The Joe Mauer Story April 10 - May 10, 2026

https://www.stagestheatre.org/show/the-right-thing-to-do-the-joe-mauer-story/

Based on the book by Joe Schmit

Book and Music by Michael Mahler

Directed by Sandy Boren-Barrett

When doing the right thing is the simplest choice.

It wasn?t just baseball practice and talent that shaped Hall of Famer, Joe Mauer! In fact, a simple choice set into motion a series of events that would transform not only his life but the lives of those around him. Based on the children?s book of the same name by Joe Schmit, The Right Thing To Do is a lively and inspiring world-premiere musical that explores the power of small acts of kindness, the impact of friendship, and the importance of doing what?s right. With vibrant music, unforgettable characters, and a message that resonates beyond the baseball field, The Right Thing To Do reminds us that every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to create a ripple effect that transforms our communities and unites us in ways we might never expect.

Featuring the artwork of Kevin Cannon who is a Minnesota cartoonist and illustrator who is best known for his detailed cartoon maps in the Star Tribune as well as his humorous all-ages graphic novel, The Cartoon Introduction to Philosophy.

Born and raised in St. Louis Park, Cannon's art career began at a very early age, drawing with Mr. Sketch markers on scraps of foam core from his uncle's photography studio. He went on to study studio art at Grinnell College in Iowa, and resettled in Minneapolis after short stints living in London and Manhattan.

In 2004 Cannon co-founded Big Time Attic studio with Zander Cannon (no relation) and Shadi Petosky. The trio tackled a wide range of projects -- like animating online games for Cartoon Network and designing the Eau Claire-based family fun center Action City -- before each artist went their separate way.

Cannon focused his career on cartooning, writing and illustrating the arctic adventure graphic novels Far Arden and Crater XV, the former garnering an Eisner nomination (the comic world's equivalent of an Oscar). The last decade has found him splitting his time between drawing childrens books and creating illustrations for clients like Apple, Harvard, and the US Naval Academy, and publications like The Village Voice, Minnesota Monthly, and Mpls St. Paul Magazine.

Likes include camping, goofing around with his toddler, and listening to any song made with a Hammond organ. His only dislikes are writing in the third person and posing for headshots.

Cannon lives in Mounds View with his wife, Maggie, their son, Ulysses, and cat, Cottleston Pie.