Beck Youth Theater to Present A LITTLE PRINCESS

Beck Center Youth Theater presents the first production of their 2015-2016 season, A Little Princess, November 5-8, 2015, in the Mackey Theater. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 6 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8. A special morning matinee open to the community, groups, and schools is 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 5. Tickets are now on sale by calling 216.521.2540 x10 or beckcenter.org

This classic production is adapted by June Walker Rogers from the story Sara Crewe by Frances Hodgson Burnett. In this timeless tale from the same author of The Secret Garden, Sara Crewe begins her adventures in Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies. When her fortune changes from rich girl to poor orphan, she is challenged by a cruel headmistress, hard labor, and terrible living conditions. Despite all of this, Sara maintains her generosity and imagination, ultimately reversing her destiny.

With a cast of 33 Beck Center students ages 6 to 16, this family-friendly production is directed by Jenna Messina. "Even though the play takes place in 1905, the characters are dealing with a number of societal circumstances that are still relevant today: the effects of wartime, class inequality, bullying, and education," remarked Messina. "That is what makes this such an excellent choice for the Youth Theater. The young actors have these wonderful roles dealing with very emotional situations, allowing them to really explore the process of developing a character."

The 2015-2016 season also includes Happily Forever After, December 11-20, 2015, Bright Ideas, presented by Beck Teen Theater, February 26-March 6, 2016, and big THE MUSICAL, May 13-22, 2016. Tickets are $12 for Adults/Seniors and $10 for Children (18 and under) and may be purchased online at beckcenter.org or by calling 216.521.2540 x10. Tickets for Happily Forever After go on sale November 28, 2015. Discounted group rates are available and can be scheduled by calling Customer Service Manager Rennie Tisdale at 216.521.2450 x28.

Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Free onsite parking is available. This production of A Little Princess is produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois. The 2015-2016 Youth Theater season is made possible by the support of Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and the Ohio Arts Council.