The Building Stage Ends World Premiere Adaptation of HÄNSEL UND GRETEL

The Building Stage, now in its 7th year creating original works of theater, continues its first ever four-show season with an original adaptation of the classic fairy tale HÄNSEL UND GRETEL. Performances run from March 9 to tonight, April 22, at The Building Stage, entrance and parking at 412 N. Carpenter Street in Chicago's West Loop. (*Please note REVISED production dates.

This world premiere production opened to the press and public on Sunday, March 11. Tickets and information can be found online (buildingstage.com) or by calling The Building Stage box office at (312) 491-1369.

ABOUT HÄNSEL UND GRETEL
Breadcrumbs. Broomsticks. German Expressionism.

Two parents embark on a comic rescue mission, determined to find their lost children before they fall prey to an evil witch. But the deeper they travel into the woods, the line between truth and fiction becomes increasingly hard to find. Hänsel und Gretel is both the adventure of two children finding their way home as well as an exploration of why we tell stories in the first place.

Conceived and directed by Blake Montgomery, this production is inspired by the differences between the two major versions of the tale familiar to modern audiences: the original narrative as presented by The Brothers Grimm in their classic Household and Children's Tales (1812) and the Engelbert Humperdinck opera (1893), which also was the source for a popular stop-motion animated film (1954).

Hänsel und Gretel embraces elements of the physical theater tradition - clown, mask, and mime - as well as the exaggerated style of German Expressionist film to bring a unique flavor to this fairy tale world. The performance is further enhanced by the live piano score of musician Matthew Muñiz which alternately accompanies, underscores, and drives the action.

You can find more information on the season at our website (buildingstage.com) as well as download The Building Stage 2011-12 Season press release online at the following address: http://www.buildingstage.com/press/2011_2012_season.pdf

Although intended for adults, The Building Stage Hänsel und Gretel is not necessarily inappropriate for older children - however, parents should know the piece lasts for approximately 90 minutes without an intermission.