City Parks Foundation presents THE PRINCESS, THE EMPEROR, AND THE DUCK

City Parks Foundation is proud to present The Princess, The Emperor, and The Duck: Three Classic Tales of Hans Christian Andersen at Central Park's historic Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre this Spring.

Set in Africa, China and our own Central Park, The Princess, The Emperor, and The Duck retells Andersen's world famous fairy tales -- The Princess and the Pea, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling, and brings the Theatre to life with new marionettes and hand painted scenery. Guided by a narrating Owl, audience members fly to each story, and as with the original tales, learn important lessons still relevant to children today.

"We are thrilled to bring these classic tales to life again at the Swedish Cottage for the first time in over 10 years," said Bruce Cannon, Artistic Director of the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre. "This production includes modern updates to the original script and exciting ways for the audience to interact with the story."

The original Swedish Cottage production of The Princess, The Emperor, and The Duck, first debuted in the fall of 2003, and was reprised in 2006. The show was written by Jeff Borkin, directed by Bruce Cannon with music by Daryl Kojak.

To guarantee admission, purchase tickets online at http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/arts/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre/.

Ticket prices are: $8/children under 12, $12/all others. Tickets are sold at the door, only when available. For group rates, school group reservations, and information on birthday parties, please call 212-988-9093.

The Cottage is located in Central Park at 81th Street and Central Park West, just south of the Delacorte Theater. For more information, maps and walking directions, please visit http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/arts/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre/.

About City Parks Foundation

City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer programs in public parks throughout the five boroughs of New York City. At CPF, we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community development, and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs and community building initiatives -- located in more than 350 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City -- reach 425,000 people each year. Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks reflect thriving communities.

About the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre

The enchanting Swedish architecture and craftsmanship of the Swedish Cottage which was suggestive of a model schoolhouse caught the eye of Central Park creator Fredrick Law Olmsted, who brought it to Central Park in 1877. A traveling marionette company was founded in 1939 and in 1947 the Swedish Cottage became home to the company. In 1973, a permanent theater was constructed inside the Swedish Cottage, designed for marionette performances. Since then, hundreds of thousands of children and families from around the world have enjoyed its original productions. Under the direction of City Parks Foundation, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and CityParks PuppetMobile continues to thrill audiences from around the world, entertaining upwards of 65,000 people each year.

Funding for The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and "The Princess, The Emperor, and The Duck" generously provided by Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation; The Prescott Fund for Children and Youth; The Weininger Foundation, Inc.; Historic House Trust.