Asolo Rep to Stage U.S. Premiere of HETTY FEATHER

Asolo Repertory Theatre proudly presents the final production of its record breaking 2015-16 season, the U.S. premiere of the U.K. phenomenon HETTY FEATHER, Dame Jacqueline Wilson's wildly popular U.K. novel adapted into a thrilling theatrical masterpiece by Emma Reeves. Asolo Rep's production of this 2015 Olivier Award nominee for Best Family Entertainment will feature the entire West End cast, starring Phoebe Thomas as Hetty, and the original direction by Sally Cookson. HETTY FEATHER is a Rose Theatre Kingston Production presented by Kenny Wax, William Archer & Stage Presence. The U.S. premiere of HETTY FEATHER at Asolo Rep is supported by The Hetty Feather Group led by Bob Bartner. HETTY FEATHER will have one preview on Thursday, June 2 at 7pm, open Friday, June 3 at 8pm and run through Sunday, June 26 in the Mertz Theatre, located in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

Charles Dickens meets Orphan Annie meets the circus in this smashing new play that has taken the U.K. by storm. Based on Dame Jacqueline Wilson's best-selling novel, Hetty Feather is a feisty young 19th century redhead with an indomitable imagination and a zest for adventure. Left at the not-so-tender mercies of the Foundling Hospital as a baby, Hetty's quest to find her true home takes her from the English countryside to the traveling circus to the mean streets of London, all by way of thrilling aerial and circus feats, live music and spectacular story-telling. A true celebration of the random nature of life, this is a must-see theatrical adventure for all ages.

HETTY FEATHER author Dame Jacqueline Wilson was named a Waterstones Children's Laureate winner in 2005. She has sold more than 38 million books in the U.K. alone, and her books have been translated into 34 languages around the world.

"I'm thrilled that the stage play HETTY FEATHER is going to be in Florida! I absolutely love this brilliant adaptation of my book," said Dame Jacqueline Wilson. "It's so imaginative and exciting and has been a huge hit here in the U.K., with more than 300 performances so far. I've watched it at least 10 times, and at every show the audience got totally involved, laughing, crying, and gasping at the amazing circus skills. It's had any number of well-deserved five star reviews and I'm positive American families will LOVE this great show."

"I have been producing theatre in the West End and around the English provinces for 25 years and no other production of mine has ever had such fantastic reviews," said Kenny Wax, producer of HETTY FEATHER. "We have now played two West End Summer seasons, both hugely successful, and by the time we arrive in Sarasota, we will have toured to every major city in the U.K. To have the opportunity now to bring our extraordinary show over to play at Asolo Rep is very special indeed, made even more exciting by Sarasota's historic association with the Ringling Brothers Circus. I don't think a story about a feisty little girl who wants to run away to join the circus could find a more suitable home in the U.S. in which to premiere."

"It is very exciting to present the U.S. premiere of HETTY FEATHER, a beloved U.K. theatre sensation that has just completed a hugely successful run on London's West End," said Asolo Rep's Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards. "We look forward to welcoming families and patrons of all ages to this coming-of-age story filled with music, circus magic, and a lot of heart."

HETTY FEATHER is recommended for ages 7 and up. Asolo Rep will offer special family ticket packages for families of four at 15 percent off the total ticket price (two members of the family must be 18 and under). The HETTY FEATHER family discount is only available by phone or in person at the box office. Proof of age must be shown when picking up tickets. Asolo Rep's fifty percent off student and child discount is not available for HETTY FEATHER.