CCT's COMMEDIA SNOW WHITE to Open Today

If you're noticing a hint of basil and oregano in the air, it's likely because the Spaghetti and Meatball players are rolling into Columbia Children's Theatre (CCT) with this summer's show! The Commedia Snow White opens Friday, June 13 and runs through Sunday, June 22 with shows Fridays at 7:00 PM, Saturdays at 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Sundays at 3:00. The 7:00 p.m. performances on Saturday evenings will have a special price of $5.00 for everyone. There will be one special evening performance at 8:00 PM Saturday, June 22 as CCT continues its popular "Late Night Date Night" performances for adults only. All shows are held at Columbia Children's Theatre on the 2nd level of Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased online at www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com. For more information contact CCT at 803-691-4548. Discounted morning performances for summer camp and day care groups will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 19, July 10, 17, and 24. CCT's current season is sponsored by Carolina Blue Plan and the Little Gym of Columbia and Lexington.

Staying true to the original story with little more than Snow's dress being yellow, this original adaptation by CCT Artistic Director Jerry Stevenson incorporates a modern perspective and references pop and youth culture throughout. Even the title must be changed due to Disney's copy-writing of the words "Snow White." But all of your favorite Spaghetti and Meatball Players will be on hand to tell the tale of the fair maiden with the skin as white as snow. Arlequino, the loveable clown will be played by CCT YouTheatre favorite Anthony Harvey (Judas in Godspell, Genie in Aladdin), and the irrepressible Punchin will be again be portrayed by Paul Lindley II fresh of his recent turns as The Stinky Cheese Man and King Farquaad in Town Theatre's Shrek. Elizabeth Stepp will again take on Columbine and the role of the title ingénue and Julian Deleon will portray the greedy miser Pantalone and Beth DeHart will reprise her roles as Rosetta and the Evil Queen. Kendal Turner, last seen as Miss Crimson in CCT's Puss in Boots will double in the role of Rosetta and the Evil Queen. The production is stage managed by Crystal Aldamuy.

"The most gratifying thing about these commedia characters," says CCT Artistic Director Jerry Stevenson, "is that we get to see them change from year to year, and while the fairy tales they perform are amazingly fun, I'm always drawn to what the 'performers' have gone through personally. There is a through-line that has been developing over the years involving a bit of rivalry between Arlequino and Punchin, and Punchin's desire to 'perform a big musical.' Well we're letting him do it this year: eight of them to be exact, or at least excerpts from eight shows. Suffice it to say he does not often get the lyrics correct!"

CCT's The Commedia Snow White opens Friday, June 13 and runs through Sunday, June 22 with shows Fridays at 7:00 PM, Saturdays at 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Sundays at 3:00. The 7:00 p.m. performances on Saturday evenings will have a special price of $5.00 for everyone. There will be one special evening performance at 8:00 PM Saturday, June 22 as CCT continues its popular "Late Night Date Night" performances for adults only. All shows are held at Columbia Children's Theatre on the 2nd level of Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased online www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com. For more information contact CCT at 803-691-4548. .