SteppingStone Presents THE NIGHTINGALE 7/10 Thru 8/2

SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development is presenting Hans Christian Andersen's The Nightingale, July 10 through August 2, 2009.

The production, written by local playwright Randy Sue Latimer, and with music by well-known musician and composer Gary Rue, is based on the beloved fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

The Nightingale is a story that tells of the power of friendship and loyalty. In Andersen's beloved tale, the Chinese Emperor receives a gift of a Nightingale. Although clad in plain feathers, the Nightingale's song is so lovely and enchanting, the Emperor thinks that there is nothing more beautiful ­ until he receives a another gift, that of a bejeweled wind-up bird!

The poor Nightingale is left sad and alone, practically forgotten by the Emperor and his glittering court, all fascinated with the mechanical bird. But when the Emperor falls desperately ill, and the wind-up bird can't save him, it¹s the real Nightingale that comes and cures the Emperor's illness with his song.

This classic tale presents themes of forgiveness, friendship and love that will resonate with audiences young and old. A magical blend of West and East, this production will appeal all who love Hans Christian Andersen, fairy tales, or a mythical China of enchanted gardens and richly costumed courtiers.

Randy Sue Latimer was commissioned to develop the show especially for Steppingstone; and with music by Gary Rue that is as tuneful as the Nightingale's song, Steppingstone's production will also feature magical sets, exquisite costumes, and as always, a young cast trained by theatre professionals and held to high performance standards.

Composer Gary Rue says, "When you come to see this show, sit down, buckle up, tune in ­ you don't want to miss a single word or note. It moves!"

He goes on to explain, "Nightingale is my 8th show written with playwright Randy Latimer and my 30th production with SteppingStone Theatre. Naturally, since the show is set in China, there is a hint of the East in the music, but the music is all over the map, a cross-cultural variety, which allowed for great fun and diversity."

All performances of Hans Christian Andersen's The Nightingale are in SteppingStone's new theatre, a beautifully renovated 100-year-old architectural gEm Located at 55 Victoria Street North, one block north of Summit Avenue in the Historic Hill District of St. Paul.

Hans Christian Andersen's The Nightingale is appropriate for all ages. SteppingStone Theatre is fully-accessible to persons with disabilities, and has regularly-scheduled ASL & Audio Described performances. Interpreters can be scheduled for other performances at no additional cost upon request. For more information, call 651-225-9265.

Tickets are $11 for adults and $9 for seniors and children 2­17. Performance times and tickets are available at (651) 225-9265 or www.steppingstonetheatre.org.

SteppingStone Theatre produces high quality, affordable family entertainment, created by professional artists and performed by and for youth. Serving nearly 70,000 youth, families, and educators from diverse ethnic, social and economic backgrounds each year, SteppingStone has become a premier destination for interactive, youth-centered theatre.

 

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