Cate and the Garden Bandits: The Musical

Cate and the Garden Bandits: The Musical brings the beloved Betsy Coffeen’s beloved story to life through a magical world of music, laughter, and adventure. When unexpected bandits create trouble in Cate’s garden, she and her friends discover that courage, teamwork, and a little imagination can turn even the biggest challenges into something extraordinary. Filled with memorable characters, lively songs, and heartwarming lessons, this enchanting musical is a celebration of friendship, perseverance, and the magic that can grow when we work together.

Based on the Children’s Book Cate and the Garden Bandits written by Betsy Coffeen, published by Story Monsters Press.

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Songs from Cate and the Garden Bandits: The Musical

“Who Are These Bugs”

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Music & lyrics by: Zachary R Simpson

Performed by: Erin Rementer.

Lyrics: Print a copy of the lyrics and sing along!
Click here

Published by: Linda F. Radke, Studio Story Monster®, a division of Story Monsters LLC.

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“The Bumblebees”

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Music and lyrics by: Zachary R Simpson

Performed by: Erin Rementer, Kalen Kelly and Zachary R Simpson

Trumpet performance by: Jim Derrick

Description: Cate and her friends Pete, Walter, and Davey are introduced to the community of Bumblebees that inhabit the big oak tree! They also meet Queen Mira the Bumblebees’ Queen Bee. Here they learn that through community and harmony the colony not only lives but thrives!

Published by: Linda F. Radke, Studio Story Monsters®, a division of Story Monsters LLC.

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“The Magical Garden”

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Music and lyrics by: Zachary R Simpson

Performed by: Erin Rementer, Kalen Kelly and Zachary R Simpson

Guitar: Jimmy Sweeden

Additional instruments: Zachary R Simpson

Description: Cate and her friends—Davy, Pete, and Walter—welcome you to the magical garden. The opening song of “Cate and the Garden Bandits: The Musical” describes a place where you can run, play, rest your eyes, and daydream, all while being surrounded by love and friendship.

Lyrics: Print a copy of the lyrics and sing along!
Click here

Published by: Linda F. Radke, Studio Story Monster®, a division of Story Monsters LLC.

DOWNLOAD THE SONG

“We Are ALL the Magical Garden”

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Description: The residents of the Magical Garden are introduced to the Bumblebee Colony and discover that by working together, everyone benefits!

Lyrics: Print a copy of the lyrics and sing along!
Click here

Music and lyrics by: Zachary R. Simpson

Performed by: Erin Rementer, Kalen Kelly, and Zachary R. Simpson

Produced by: Zachary R. Simpson

Executive Producer: Linda F. Radke

Published and distributed by: Linda F. Radke, Studio Story Monsters®, a division of Story Monsters LLC.

Reviews

Outstanding Creator Awards — 95+/100 (9.5+/10)

“Charming, funny, imaginative, educational, wonderfully performed, and surprisingly sophisticated children’s musical theater.”

Congratulations to our incredibly talented team at Studio Story Monsters on this well-deserved honor! We’re so proud of the creativity, care, and detail that went into bringing this story to life—through a magical musical!

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“The Magical Garden”

“I love the message you are trying to convey to the listeners through this song. It is inspiring and motivational, and I think it can reach a lot of people.

Your voice is very captivating and impactful, I like how you manage to convey emotion and energy through it. It's like your voice is a powerful tool to connect with the listeners. The rhythm is energetic and joyful, it makes me want to sing along. I like how you manage to combine energy and emotion to create a song that is both fun and touching.” — Sing, Wiggle, Repeat!

AWARDS

Outstanding Creator Awards

2026 InterContinental Music Awards Finalist in the Children’s Music Category: “The Bumblebees” and “The Magical Garden”

BEST MUSICAL SCRIPT

Cate and the Garden Bandits: The Musical has been selected as BEST MUSICAL SCRIPT in the Cannes Script Festival – Spring Season 2025! Out of more than 126 submissions, this project was chosen as BEST MUSICAL SCRIPT!