Columbia Children's Theatre to Present THE COMMEDIA HANSEL & GRETEL, 6/10-19

Back by popular demand after last summer's hiatus, The Spaghetti and Meatball Players return in full force with their rendition of The Commedia Hansel & Gretel June 10-19. Opening night, June 10th features a special red carpet party at 6:00 p.m. followed by the show at 7:00. Regular show times are Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. All performances are held at Columbia Children's Theatre (CCT) on the 2nd level of Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive. Opening night tickets are $15.00 for children and $20 for adults. Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday performances are $10.00 for children three years of age through adult. The 7:00 p.m. performances on Saturday evenings will have a special ticket price of $5.00 for everyone. Advance tickets can be purchased securely online at columbiachildrenstheatre.com. For more information, contact CCT at 803-691-4548.

This beloved band of vagabond actors, who've named themselves The Spaghetti and Meatball Players have been a regular feature of CCT summers off and on for the last 7 years, and tell the story of Hansel and Gretel in the commedia dell'arte style of theatre. Commedia dell'arte, Italian for "comedy of the professional artists," was a popular form of improvisational theatre that began in Italy in the 15th century and continued in its appeal for centuries. At that time, all performances were unscripted and held outdoors, with only simple props and no scenery. The influence of commedia dell'arte is evident in much of our contemporary comedy, most notably in the great commedia artists of the 20th century, the Marx Brothers and most recently with the rise of improvisational comedy shows such as Saturday Night Live and Whose Line is it Anyway. The stock "scenarios" acted out by the players are still evident in the plot lines of the current form of television sit-coms.

Penned by CCT Artistic Director, Jerry Stevenson, (who also wrote CCT's commedia versions of Pinocchio, The Princess and the Pea, and Snow White), this version finds Arlequino, Rosetta, Punchin, Columbine, and Pantalone up to their old tricks as they bring to life the beloved German fairy tale. The trickster, Alequino will be played this summer by Paul Lindley II, Taylor Dively and Baker Morrison covering the role in certain performances. Rosetta, the fiery servant will be played by Francis Farrar and Kaitlyn Fuller. The role of the ever-put-upon Punchin will be played by Julian Deleon and Baker Morrison. George Dinsmore and Noah Barker will take on the miserly Pantalone and Mary Miles will portray the beautiful ingénue, Columbine.

"CCT is thrilled to be bringing back The Spaghetti and Meatball players this summer after hosting the NiA Company's Br'er Rabbit in 2015," says CCT Artistic Director Jerry Stevenson. "Especially after the success that The Commedia Rapunzel, which was developed and premiered here at CCT, enjoyed this year at the New York Fringe Festival and Off-Broadway. It just goes to show you that certain theatre forms hit notes that resonate with the public; so much so that they can survive for over 400 years!"

Following its initial two-weekend run, Columbia Children's Theatre will present additional weekday morning performances of Hansel and Gretel on Thursdays at 10:00 am through July 28. Group discounts are available for summer camps and day cares by calling (803) 691-4548.

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