Quintessence Theatre Group to Present THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, 12/11-1/5

Quintessence Theatre Group continues its fourth season of progressive classic theatre with its first family classic for the holiday season, Kenneth Grahame's THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS adapted for the stage by Alan Bennett and directed by Alexander Burns. THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS will begin previews on Wednesday, December 11 at 7pm and open on Saturday, December 14 at 7pm. All performances are at the Sedgwick Theater, 7137 Germantown Ave in Mt Airy, Philadelphia, 19119. To purchase tickets visit www.QuintessenceTheatre.org or call 215.987.4450.

In Quintessence's first foray into family entertainment, we bring to the stage Kenneth Grahame's THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, the delightful story of Toad, Mole, Rat, and Badger and their woodland escapades. Mole is fed up with spring-cleaning and wants to see the world. He meets the water-loving Rat and the pair immediately strike up one of English literature's most enduring friendships. Meanwhile, Toad's latest fancy has landed him in hot water with the law, and Badger just wants to be left alone. Battle the nefarious weasels, mess about in boats, and charm the washerwoman's daughter as you make your way into the English countryside. Whether you travel by car, train, or boat, don't miss this holiday adventure in the epic Quintessence style. This masterful adaptation by Alan Bennett, the author of People, History Boys, and The Madness of King George, with music and lyrics by Jeremy Sams is sure to thrill children of all ages, and provide a new family opportunity for holiday theatregoing.

Following his celebrated performance as Poprishchin in last season's The Diary of a Madman and George Hastings in She Stoops to Conquer Quintessence ensemble member Daniel Fredrick leads the cast as Rat. Returning from his Arena Stage debut in the world premiere of Charles Randolph-Wright's Love in Afghanistan, Khris Davis is Toad. And Quintessence favorite SEAN CLOSE returns as Mole. They will be joined by Quintessence regulars Josh Carpenter as the Chief Weasel, Sean Bradley as Albert the horse, and Jamison Foreman as Otter (Treplev in The Seagull). Quintessence is also excited to welcome back Jake Blouch as Badger (Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest) and JOHNNY SMITH as the Magistrate (Llewellyn in Henry V). They will be joined by LEE MINORA as the Gaoler's Daughter, Brendan Norton and CRAIG PATRICK O'BRIEN, all making their Quintessence debuts.

The production includes lighting by David Sexton, costumes by JANE CASANAVE, fight direction by Ian Rose, music direction by Jamison Foreman and dialect coaching by HAZEL BOWERS.

Quintessence Theatre Group is a professional classic theatre, dedicated to the performance and adaptation of epic works of classic literature and drama for the Contemporary Stage, which ignites the mind, body and soul through the power of the actor, design and spoken word.

Now in its fourth season, Quintessence continues to work towards the establishment of an acting ensemble and a rotating repertory at the historic Sedgwick Theater in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia. As Quintessence Theatre's home, the Sedgwick Theater, a 1928 art deco movie palace designed by William Lee, will regain its place as a jewel in Philadelphia's cultural landscape.

Quintessence Theatre Group was a nominee for the 2013 Wolfson Award for an Evolving Theatre, the newest addition to the Barrymore Awards, which recognizes, promotes and rewards the creativity, growth and excellence of evolving theatres within the Greater Philadelphia community.

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS plays December 11 - JANUARY 5. A special PAY WHAT YOU CAN preview will be presented on Wednesday, December 11 at 7:00pm. Post-show discussions with the cast and director will take place on Thursday, December 19 and the 2pm performance Sunday, December 29.

Performances take place on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm, and Sundays at 2pm. There will also be a series of Saturday matinees at 2pm. Please check the performance schedule at www.QuintessenceTheatre.org for exact performance times and dates.

Tickets are $25 general admission, $15 for youth (21 and under). Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. To purchase tickets visit www.QuintessenceTheatre.org or call 1.215.987.4450. For ticket information please email BoxOffice@QuintessenceTheatre.org.

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