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Dallas Children's Theater Turns Fairy Tales Upside Down In ELLA ENCHANTED: THE MUSICAL
By: Julie Musbach Jan. 09, 2019
Ella of Frell is turning the traditional Cinderella story upside down in the upcoming musical extravaganza ELLA ENCHANTED: THE MUSICAL. In a play that stays true to the Newbery Honor book, the power of words will have children laughing, singing, and dancing out loud. ELLA ENCHANTED: THE MUSICAL runs at Dallas Children's Theater (DCT) from January 25 through February 24, 2019.
At birth, Ella was given the "gift" of obedience which forces her to do anything people command: whether that's hopping on one foot all day or telling her best friend to just go away! As a teenager, strong-willed Ella chooses to reject this lifestyle as her fate and embarks on a quest to break the curse forever. Along the way, feisty Ella must outwit her evil stepsisters, escape hungry ogres, and save the prince before she can claim her real voice.
"This show is a fun and funny take on a famous and well-loved fairy tale. There's action, excitement, and adventure along with ogres, giants, and magical creatures," Nancy Schaeffer, director of ELLA ENCHANTED: THE MUSICAL and DCT's Associate Artistic Director. "The amazing, colorful costumes help bring these characters to life, and the set takes us to many locations in a truly beautiful way. And the actors will sing and charm their way into your heart!"
Top actors return to DCT from other Dallas stages and creative ventures. Notables include Erika Larsen, who returns to play Ella, after recently announcing the launch of her new theater company, Lily and Joan, with co-founder Emily Faith. Jessica Turner, a veteran of many D-FW stages, also returns to DCT to play Ella's loving mother before transforming into an all-new take on the evil stepmother. Additionally, Tiffany DeSena, now a company member at Dallas Theater Center, returns after previously appearing in DCT's YANA WANA'S LEGEND OF THE BLUEBONNET.
"Sometimes problems seem too big, but there can often be a new and creative way to get to a happy ending," Schaeffer said. "And in the play, Ella shows young girls just how they can do that through the power of love and friendship.
Throughout the run, DCT celebrates the power of language and individuality! Each child/family will have the opportunity to pose for a picture in Ella's larger-than-life voice/choice storybook. Then young patrons will go on their own adventure searching for unique and interesting words used by ogres and others.
Opening night, Friday, January 25, is a pajama party for everyone as Tiff's Treats Cookies will be serving up tasty treats perfect for the occasion. Don your favorite pj's and join us! As always, giveaways, free posters and more!
$17-$30 for single tickets. Prices subject to change. Group rates available for parties of 10 or more. Phone reservations required for Sensory-Friendly performances. Call the Box Office for details, 214-740-0051. General tickets are available online at dct.org
Weekday Student Matinee shows also available Tuesdays through Fridays. Call Dallas Children's Theater at 214-978-0120 or visit dct.org/fieldtrips
Photo Credit: Karen Almond.
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