The Next Stage Program Presents THE HAPPY PRINCE, 4/3

The Next Stage Program, Long Wharf Theatre's program for early-career theatre professionals, will present The Happy Prince, a devised adaptation of the beloved children's story by Oscar Wilde, on Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Long Wharf Theatre's Mainstage.
Admission is free and donations are encouraged, but seating is limited. To make general admission reservations, please call the box office at (203) 787-4282.

The Happy Prince is one of Oscar Wilde's best-loved fairy tales. It tells the story of a magnificent golden statue who, with the help of a kind young swallow, spreads goodwill throughout his kingdom. But as winter approaches, the swallow must decide whether to join his flock in Egypt or to risk his life by staying behind to help his new friend. A sense of theatrical magic and wonder abounds in this tale about charity, friendship, and hope, told with Wilde's trademark grace and wit.
The Happy Prince will be directed by Long Wharf's Associate Artistic Director Eric Ting. In his sixth season at Long Wharf, Mr. Ting's recent directing credits include this season's Sylvia, the world premiere of The Old Man And The Sea (which he also co-adapted), The Bluest Eye (a co-production with Hartford Stage), and Underneath the Lintel.

"The Next Stage Company is a corps of talented young artists who have committed the last eight to nine months to supporting every facet of the work we do at Long Wharf Theatre. Every year, the theatre has both recognized and celebrated their contribution by supporting a production that showcases their various talents and craft. This season is no exception," explains Ting. "It's such an honor to be able to collaborate with such a force of passionate, committed artists at the beginning of their careers in developing a new work for young audiences. And lastly, there is the great pleasure in working with a local cast of actors in devising such a wonderful, whimsical, and ultimately moving theatrical tale. "

The Happy Prince will be stage managed by Jamie Steffen, of Brookfield, CT. The ensemble cast features Bethany Fitzgerald, of Stafford Springs, CT; Jesse Gabbard, of North Haven, CT; Sarah Kronenberg, of Cranston, RI; Corey Morrison, of Bowling Green, KY; and Joshua Wills, of Ansonia, CT.

The creative team includes Next Stage residents Christal Boyd (lighting design) of Dallas, TX; Maureen Hill (properties master) of Hutchinson, KS; Tracey Lattimer (scenic design, technical direction), of Roselle, NJ; Catherine Mason (costume design), of Brasher Falls, NY; Corey Morrison (marketing) of Bowling Green, KY; Erin Treat (dramaturg, publicity), of Tucson, AZ; and Heather Walker (sound design), of Donegal, Ireland. Bill Ruth will provide original music and live Foley for the production.

For more information, please visit www.longwharf.org.

Photo of Jesse Gabbard, Joshua Wills, Sarah Kronenberg and Bill Ruth

To post a comment, you must register and login.