Photo Flash: Quintessence Theatre Group Present Twain's THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER

Quintessence Theatre Group celebrates its 8th birthday with the second production of its new Family Classics Series: a world premiere of Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper. Adapted and directed by Quintessence ensemble member Josh Carpenter, The Prince and the Pauper is one of Mark Twain's best works of young adult fiction - a humorous and poignant tale of class consciousness, mistaken identity and self-discovery set in Tudor England. All performances are at the Sedgwick Theater, 7137 Germantown Ave., Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, 19119. To purchase tickets, visit www.Quintessencetheatre.org or call 215.987.4450.

A young pauper named Tom Canty is beaten by the palace guards for standing too close to the gate. Spying this act of brutality, Prince Edward, son of King Henry VIII, stops the guards and invites Tom into the palace for food. Surprised that they look so much alike and share the same birthday, the young boys are curious to experience how the other lives and a game of dress up has the adults confused as to which boy is which. Meanwhile, King Henry VIII dies and the court prepares to crown Tom as the new king. Mark Twain's classic tale of mistaken identity is full of new and unforeseen adventures for both boys as they risk all to find out who they are, what they are worth, and what friendship really means.

Celebrated for his work as one of Quintessence's finest actors, and one of the adaptors for Quintessence's heralded The Three Musketeers, Josh Carpenter makes his directorial debut with his own adaptation of Twain's beloved novel.

Taking on more than thirty roles, a cast of six brings to life Twain's Tudor England, with Meg Rumsey-Lasersohn and Emily Dale White making their Quintessence debuts as Edward Tudor and Tom Canty. They are joined by Quintessence ensemble member Mattie Hawkinson (Mourning Becomes Electra, The Misanthrope, Arms and the Man, Love's Labor's Lost, The Broken Heart), and Quintessence favorites John Basiulis (Mother Courage, Love's Labor's Lost, Saint Joan, Doctor Faustus) and Steven Wright (Uncle Vanya). Also making her Quintessence debut is classical actor Tai Verley.

The creative team includes costume designer Summer Lee Jack, lighting designer David Sexton, sound designer Max Silverman and fight director Sean Bradley.

Quintessence Theatre Group is a professional classic theater dedicated to the performance and adaptation of epic works of literature and drama for the Contemporary Stage. Its approach attracts both nationally-recognized and local actors who find challenge and inspiration in Quintessence's thought-provoking, innovative productions. It is building an acting ensemble with a rotating repertory at the historic Sedgwick Theater in the Mt. Airy neighborhood. As Quintessence Theatre Group's home, the Sedgwick Theater, a 1928 art deco movie palace designed by William Lee, has regained its place as a jewel in Philadelphia's cultural landscape. In 2018 Quintessence Theatre became Philadelphia's 18th professional Equity theatre.

THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER plays May 16 - June 3. A special PAY WHAT YOU CAN preview will be presented on Wednesday, May 16 at 7pm. Post-show talkbacks with the cast will take place on Thursday, May 24 at 7pm and Sunday, May 27 at 4pm.

Tickets are $25 - $15 general admission, $15 for student and youth (21 and under). Group discounts and weekday student matinees are available. To purchase tickets or subscriptions, visit www.QuintessenceTheatre.org or call 1.215.987.4450. For ticket information please email BoxOffice@QuintessenceTheatre.org.

Photos by Shawn May.

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