Gateway Center for Performing Arts' Youth Theatre Company Opens Season with A LITTLE PRINCESS

Gateway Center for Performing Arts' Youth Theatre Company opens its 2017- 2018 Mainstage Season with the breathtakingly beautiful A Little Princess, featuring the classic story of Frances Hodgson Burnett set to music by award-winning composer Andrew Lippa and lyricist Brian Crawley. A Little Princess performs January 26th-28th, 2018, at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School.

Separated from her father and the openhearted Africans who have helped him raise her, young Sara Crewe is sent to boarding school in London. When things go badly for her there, her imaginative powers come to the rescue - helping to transform a drab institution into a place of magic and mystery. As the girl wins the affection of the other boarders, she draws the ire of Miss Minchin, the dour headmistress, who forces Sara to work as a maid when her father is reported dead and his fortune is seized. Sara counters all of Miss Minchin's best efforts to degrade her, all the while maintaining the grace and virtue of a little princess.

"This show has given us an opportunity to probe some important topics with the actors," says A Little Princess Director and GCPA Executive Director, Paul Pagano. "By growing up with African tribes, Sara learns that acceptance of that which is different is empowering. Throughout the story, she makes decisions that benefit the betterment of others, regardless of their financial or social status." Choreographer and GCPA Artistic Director, Stephanie Fox, adds, "Our entire season explores the concept of 'home.' Home makes us who we are, protects us through life's trials, and embraces us when we need comfort. With a strong sense of self and the security home provides, we can embrace each other in our differences with compassion and open hearts, no matter what or where we call home. We are so honored many call GCPA home, and we hope to empower them though their experiences here."

GCPA made its home last year in Webster Groves, where it has continued to grow its performing arts programming, including classes, camps, workshops, and musical productions. Its popular Weekend Walk-Ins series features classes from top industry professionals, including Lara Teeter, Larry Pry, and a partnership with the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation's Broadway Master Class Series. GCPA is now enrolling summer camps for students ages 5-18 (www.gcpastl.org/camps), and they will hold auditions for their summer productions of James and the Giant Peach JR. (Ages 10-14) and Violet (Ages 13+) March 3rd-4th, 2018 (www.gcpastl.org/auditions).

Visit www.gcpastl.org/a-little-princess for more show information. Tickets are $15 General Admission and can be purchased online at www.gcpastl.org/tickets. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the box office prior to each show.

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