Theater 294 Presents Classic Tale of Frog Prince May 13-21

The Long Island Rep children's theater and Theater 294 are presenting The Tale of the Frog Prince, a classical children's tale, May 13 to 21 in a production that allows children to participate if they like.

Carolyn Popadin is directing the show,which plays Sat., May 13 at 3 p.m. Fri. May 19 at 7 p.m. and Sun. May 21 at 3 p.m. at Theater 294, 294 Farmingdale Rd., East Farmingdale.

Justin Murphy, Jenny Drakoulias, Barbara Walsh, Ruthe McKeown, Michael Puglisi and Richie Campbell star in the show.

The play includes a complete cast of fairy tale figures such as a frog prince, princess, queen, knight, page and a good witch.

Tickets are available for $12 and $10 for children by clicking TIX or at the show.

"Our frog prince is lonely, bored and unhappy as a frog," Popadin said of the plot. "He secretly yearns to be the human he once was before being put under an evil spell by a cranky old witch. The only way to break the spell is to be kissed by a lovely maiden."

The play brings to stage a variation of the famous story once told by The Brothers Grimm and since transformed by Disney and others into possibly the most famous fairy tale of all.

"Who wants to kiss a larger than life frog who ribits all the time?" Popadin asked. "Watch how our friendly frog finally gets the kiss of his dreams in this charming and delightful children's play."

Popadin and the Long Island Rep earlier presented The Night Before Christmas, the story of Clement Clarke Moore's writing of that famous poem.

The Tale of the Frog Prince like the earlier show is being presented in a format that lets children participate, if they'd like.

"I made changes to add audience participation," she said. "The kids help the frog learn how to walk and how to learn table manners."

Popadin's brand of children's theater is designed to be interactive, with moments that allow children to take part in they play or remain in the audience if they like.

The Tale of the Frog Prince, Theater 294, 294 Farmingdale Rd., E Farmingdale. Sat., May 13 at 3 p.m. Fri. May 19 at 7 p.m. and sun. May 21 at 3 p.m $10 children/$12 adults/children 2 and under are free. Info. 516-810-7300. Tickets @ www.frogprince294.brownpapertickets.com