A Monster of a Tale Coming to The NH Theatre Factory This March

The NH Theatre Factory continues the success of its Stage Setters Youth Program with the upcoming world-premiere musical, A Dragon's Tail, written and directed by NHTF's own Artistic Director, Joel Mercier.

"With so many of the same shows being produced over and over again by youth companies in NH, we wondered if our young actors might enjoy something different," remarks Mercier. "So this is our second year introducing them to a new work that we tailor around their needs, but also let their imaginations run wild."

A Dragon's Tail is a charming musical retelling of Kenneth Grahame's 19th century fairytale The Reluctant Dragon. When a dragon is discovered living high in the hills above a tiny village, it takes the understanding and bravery of one small girl to see past the scales and wings into the heart of a creature who is not all that different from the rest of us. Unfortunately, it's going to take even more to convince the Royal Court who has already called for the greatest Dragon Slayer of all time to come and vanquish the beast, Saint George himself. A Dragon's Tail is an enchanting spin on the famous story, filled with medieval spectacle, stunning costumes, contemporary music, and a powerful message about not judging a book by its cover.

A Dragon's Tail features a cast of Granite State youth performers, ages 8 - 16, representing Manchester, Derry, Londonderry, Amherst, Merrimack, Hooksett, Concord, Boscawen, and Barrington.

"Our cast includes both beginner and experienced actors who have come together to learn a craft and then apply it to the project at hand," says Mercier. "Our program is not just a rehearsal process and performance. We bring in industry professionals to teach master classes, as well as work extensively on character development and acting."

NHTF's philosophy is craft comes first. For A Dragon's Tail the actors have already worked with guest fight choreographer Alex Jacobs originally from Aylesbury, England who has taught the cast the basics of safe stage combat, as well as Amanda Pawlik, who taught a master class on pantomime movement which is being incorporated into the physicality of some of the mythological creatures in the show. Clever choreography by TIna Cassidy, stunning costumes by Lorraine Louie and Janet Dare, and detailed lighting and scenery by NHTF's Producing Director Wallace J. Pineault professionally round out the technical side of the production.

NH Theatre Factory invites audiences of all ages to join us for this beautiful story on Friday, March 3 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, March 4 at 2:00 and 7:30 PM at the Derry Opera House in Derry, NH. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online by visiting www.nhtheatrefactory.org. It is recommended to secure tickets ahead of time to ensure the best seats possible, as seating is reserved. This is a 90-minute family production suitable for all ages! For more information, visit the NH Theatre Factory's website at www.nhtheatrefactory.org.

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