Photo Flash: First Look at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences' THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA

From the Kingdom of Ipslonia comes The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences' first show of the season, THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA, previewing February 26, running through May 3, with a press opening on Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m. at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Scott Weinstein makes his Marriott Theatre directorial debut, joined by Musical Director Ryan T. Nelson, with a modern spin on the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. An imaginative story for all ages, THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA is a celebration of everlasting love and staying true to oneself no matter what the circumstances. A Question & Answer session with the cast will follow the one-hour presentation.

When Prince Wellington (Jeff Award winner Alex Goodrich) is forced into choosing a bride by his mother, Queen Evermean (Jeff Award winner Susan Moniz), all the princesses in the land line up to pass the "Princess Test." Trouble arises when the Prince falls in love with a commoner, Ruth (Jeff Award nominee Dara Cameron), instead of a "true" princess! To satisfy the Queen, Ruth must prove her worth by passing her own test, which requires her to sleep on a giant stack of mattresses piled on top of a single pea. If she endures a sleepless night due to the pea - of which she has no knowledge - she must be sensitive enough to be a real princess.

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA stars Alex Goodrich (On the Town and HERO at The Marriott Theatre) as Prince Wellington, Dara Cameron (HERO and South Pacific at The Marriott Theatre) as Ruth, Susan Moniz (Mary Poppins and Now & Forever at The Marriott Theatre, Thoroughly Modern Millie at Drury Lane Theatre) as Queen Evermean, Don Forston (HERO at The Marriott Theatre; A Christmas Carol and Oliver! at Drury Lane Theatre; A Midsummer Night's Dream at Chicago Shakespeare) as Papa and TV Reporter,Samantha Pauly as Buffy, and Derrick Trumbly as Chester.

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences team will be headed up by Lead Artistic Director Andy Hite, with Costume Designer Nancy Missimi, Lighting Designer Brian Hoehne, Sound Designer Bob Gilmartin, Set and Props Designer Jeff Kmiec and Musical Supervisor Patti Garwood.

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA plays most Tuesdays through Sundays at 10 AM and 12:30 PM. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call847.634.0200 for exact schedule, as show times and dates vary. Single ticket prices are $17.23 per person (includes fees and taxes). Groups of 20 or more receive a discount by calling 847.634.5909. Free parking is available at all shows. To reserve tickets, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Photos by Mark Campbell