Columbia Children's Theatre Open THE COMMEDIA RAPUNZEL World Premiere Tonight

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the trattoria, The Spaghetti and Meatball Players are back at Columbia Children's Theatre (CCT) with an all-new world premiere comedy. The Commedia Rapunzel opens tonight, June 14 and runs through Sunday, June 23 with shows Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. The audience is invited to stay after the performance on June 14 for an opening night pizza party with the cast. There also will be a special evening performance at 9:00 PM Saturday, June 22 with CCT's first "Late Night Date Night" performance for adults.

All shows are held at Columbia Children's Theatre on the 2nd level of Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive. Tickets are $8.00 and can be purchased online at www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com. For more information contact CCT at 803-691-4548.

Fresh on the heels of last summer's uproarious The Commedia Cinderella, New York actor, director, and playwright Sam LaFrage has penned yet another zany romp through a familiar fairytale told in the style of commedia dell'arte, a largely improvisational style of street theatre originating in 16th century Italy. Trained extensively in the commedia style at the American Academy of Dramatic Art, Mr. LaFrage combines the traditional commedia style and characters--Rosetta, Columbine, Arlequino, Punkin, and Pantalone--with a pop sensibility and a tongue-in-cheek style that literally leaves audiences rolling in the floor.

The production features CCT favorite Elizabeth Stepp as Rapunzel (as portrayed by Columbine). Stepp was called "a gifted comedic character actress, trapped in the body of a lovely ingénue" by Jasper Magazine, referring to her performance in last summer's The Commedia Rapunzel. Writer/director LaFrage will again take on the mantle of the clown, Arlequino, who doubles as a very trashy Baker's Wife. The role of Rosetta as The Witch will be shared by Beth DeHart and Carolyn Chalfant. Paul Lindley II, fresh off his turn in CCT's recent hit Knuffle Bunny will take on the roles of Punkin and The Baker. Columbia theatre staple, Bobby Bloom portrays the crotchety miser Pantolne, and Ashlyn Combs, last seen as Trixie in Knuffle Bunny takes on the role of the traditional comic sprite, The Zanni. Erin Huiett is the stage manager and Anthony Harvey the understudy/swing.

"While the show is a rollicking, romp through a traditional fairy tale for children," says LaFrage, "we've still managed to touch upon themes such as growing up, perseverance, and standing up for yourself." He adds, "But this is no Oprah Afterschool Special, ya'll; it's funny!"

Sam LaFrage (playwright) is a 2012 graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and was selected as a member of the 2013 New York Academy Company where he recently completed a year of Off Broadway work and a showcase that was hosted by two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole. His Off-Broadway credits include "Palm Tree in a Rose Garden" (Jim Strong), "Happy in the Poorhouse" (Stevie), "The Rivals" (Bob Acres), and "Improbable Fiction" (Brevis). Other NYC credits include: "Blithe Spirit" (Charles). "The Wake of Jamey Foster" (Wayne), "Am I Blue?"(John Polk), "The Bear" (Smirnov), "The Loveliest Afternoon of the Year" (He), among others. Sam has worked along side of and collaborated with George Heslin (Founder of the Origin Theatre Company, NYC), director/playwright Derek Ahonen (Founder of The Amoralists Theatre Company, NYC), Barbara Rubin (Market Theatre in Joannesburg, South Africa) and Denis Reid (Yale School of Drama). Sam wrote and directed last summer's highly-acclaimed "The Commedia Cinderella" at CCT, which Jasper Magazine described as an "uproarious phenomenon."

Columbia Children's Theatre is a professional resident not-for-profit theatre dedicated to providing quality live theatre experiences for families and young audiences, and is supported in part by the City of Forest Acres, The Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Pictured: The cast of RAPUNZEL - Carolyn Chalfant, Ashlyn Combs, Bobby Bloom, Sam LaFrage, Elizabeth Stepp, Beth DeHart, Paul Lindley II. Photo Credit: Forrest Clonts.

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