The Luckiest Penny Program

"One of the most prolific events of the Ability Explosion was the exuberant performance of The Luckiest Penny Musical, by Deborah Weed. The story which examines individual self-worth affects the sensibilities of everyone who sees and hears it. The uplifting musical is a testament to the efforts and goals of the author and creator and will benefit humanity with its inspiration and message."

~ David New, Ability Explosion's, President and Founder

Parents, teachers and mentors need to reinforce the good in our future generation and help redirect the negative. Wrapped in a magical package, The Luckiest Penny, all original book, musical, curriculum and innovative programs, sparks children's imagination while giving practical messages about what's really important.

The Luckiest Penny is about two 1943, rare, pure copper pennies who are at a coin auction and about to be sold. Allister, an uncirculated, shiny penny, believes that he is worth more than any other coin. Henry is a tarnished, tossed-about penny. He has gone on an amazing adventure from: being tossed into a garbage can because he is viewed as worthless; being someone's lucky penny; going on a wild roller-coaster ride in a washing machine and being deposited into a bank. Through the eyes of these two pennies, we learn what is truly valuable and why.

Each performance is followed by an interactive discussion between the children and a Self-Worth Facilitator. During the dialogue , parents, teachers and mentors can take a peek at the unfiltered, natural state of honesty and we learn what they truly believe about themselves

Ernest Socolov created the illustrations for The Luckiest Penny. He has been a professional illustrator for all of his 70+ years. He was a designer and artist at: ABC; Esquire Magazine; Columbia Records and on and on... He is an ardent professional who captures emotions with his paint brush and uses bursts of color to evoke the passion of the heart-warming story.

The Luckiest Penny book, musical and curriculum, makes self-worth FUN! It's the simplest way to encourage kids from 3-103, to know what they're worth. The production has rave reviews and continues to be a favorite of children and adults alike! Take a peek below ... be sure to listen to the songs.

Deborah Weed, artist, visionary storyteller and creative lyricist has brought the world an incredibly inspirational, uplifting and effectively educational story and musical, The Luckiest Penny. Deborah's delightful musical adaptation of her beautifully written book gives life, drama, comedy and unique personas to two 1943 rare copper pennies, who take us on a memorable, rollicking, hand slapping, singing and heartwarming journey of positive self-esteem. I, and my Occupational Therapy Assistant students, have had the awesome experience of working with Deborah to bring her musical to children and adults in the Hudson Valley region of New York.

~ Flo Hannes, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Chairperson, SUNY Orange Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

"At Zylofone, our mission is to offer music, theater and art to the special needs population. When I came across the story of the "Luckiest Penny", was drawn in by the "self-worth" component. All of us have the need for support, understanding and a true feeling of self worth. This tale of two pennies is light, funny and easy to connect to. I adore the idea of bringing the audience in as a part of the auction. A connection that elicits joy and start the communication ball rolling. Bravo, Deborah Weed!" ~ Debbie Major, Founder/CEO of Zylofone.

Zylofone will be bringing The Luckiest Penny Program to school children in Orange County, New York.

 listen to the upbeat music!

More Testimonials

It was such a pleasure to have met you. You are such a sweet person. I had been looking so forward to the performance of The Luckiest Penny! I was also happy to be able to share it with my children and my husband. We had read the book prior to the performance and we were so happy to see it done live. The kids were even singing the song PEHEW! PEHEW! Whatta ya gonna do? On Monday after the show. I love the message of The Luckiest Penny and think that having it done live is a wonderful way to relay that message.

~ Shauna Smith

It was a joy hearing the words and music of The Luckiest Penny come to life at the New York Occupational Therapy Association Conference. The dialog between the two pennies was impeccable, and I did indeed have tears in my eyes by the end. The story line can speak to, and is inspiring for all ages. Now is a wonderful time to spread the joy of this play.

~ Melissa M. Caputo

I took my two daughters to see The Luckiest Penny musical, and they both enjoyed it immensely. The story taught them that it is okay to be different, and that being different is not necessarily a bad thing. My younger daughter stutters and sometimes she is teased at school. This story has made her open up about the self-esteem issues she has been experiencing. Once again, thank you for this experience.

~ Patsy Doris

After seeing The Luckiest Penny, I realized how simple , yet, how creative it was. Both the story and musical hold such a strong moral concept that should be instilled in all of us.

~ David Hering

One word, INSPIRATIONAL! When I first met you, it felt like I had known you for a few years. You brought me in like I was your best friend. The Luckiest Penny taught me that self-worth comes from the inside, that the adventures that you take is what creates your self-worth. The play was just as inspirational as you. I believe that this play needs to be shown everywhere possible, to every one of all backgrounds and ages. Everyone is worth something, and everyone is capable of believing that they are indeed a lucky penny!

~ Caitlin Cardone

I have two boys, one 22 and one 19 and although they are brothers, they are nothing alike. The older one likes to "experience life rather than "live" it like the younger one does. As the oldest child myself, I can totally relate to my older son, and of course, as a mother, I have wanted to make his journey a little bit smoother. He has chosen the rockier route! Lately, I have wanted to communicate to him, in a non-threatening way, how much I love and appreciate him, and let him know how special I think he is. During the book signing, I could feel all the love and compassion you have for life and others, and I could feel all the love well up in me that I have for my son. Hence, the inability to speak, the tears... so, thanks for sharing that moment with me and thank you for the beautiful message you wrote to my son.

~ L. E.

Seeing the play, The Luckiest Penny musical, made me feel warm inside. I was touched by Henry, who knew who he was and what he was "worth." What a positive message that was sent about the power of unconditional love. As a penny, he was so valued for his true self. I had tears in my eyes when Henry was embraced by someone who saw his inner beauty.

~ Bari Goroway

Thank you for writing such a heartfelt book and for helping turn it into an amazing musical for all to enjoy. I purchased a copy of your book for my niece and nephew and they love it. It was such a joy watching all the smiles on the faces of the audience and singing the songs from the plat all week long. I would love to help out on a campaign keeping the penny in circulation throughout our country.~ ~ ~ ~Julie Chevola

© 2015 Deborah Weed, All Rights Reserved