Imagination Stage's RAPUNZEL Extended to May 26, Bethesda

Imagination Stage is extending its popular production of Rapunzel by a week. Rapunzel now runs in Imagination Stage's Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre through May 26.

Rapunzel features a feisty young heroine, a wicked witch, a clever prince, a bit of magic, a grand adventure, and, of course, the longest hair in the world. Written by the two creators of the Emmy Award-winning television show Friends, this witty, musical update of a fairytale favorite invites audiences on comical journey to happily ever after.

Rapunzel is a typical teenage girl, with a few exceptions: she was stolen from her real parents by a wicked witch who pretends to be her mother; her home is a high-security tower in the middle of nowhere; and her hair is long enough to be used as a ladder. She's content, though, and as far as she knows, hers is a great life...if a little boring. On her sixteenth birthday, excitement finds Rapunzel in the form of the charming and handsome Prince Brian when he stumbles upon her remote abode, and she realizes how much she has been missing! Brian dodges the witch to visit his new friend regularly, and the two plot an escape. But the witch is crafty and casts a spell that sets the young couple on a zany path to a happy ending.

David Crane and Marta Kauffman, co-creators of the television show Friends, have written the book and lyrics to Rapunzel, with Michael Skloff penning the music. Associate Artistic Director Kathryn Chase Bryer directs.

Felicia Curry will let down her hair for the title role of Rapunzel. Felicia was previously seen in The Araboolies of Liberty Street and Bunnicula at Imagination Stage. She has also performed at The Kennedy Center, Ford's Theatre, Signature Theatre, MetroStage, Arena Stage, and Round House Theatre. She has received several Helen Hayes Awards nominations for her work.

Playing the charming Prince Brian is Jonathan Atkinson. Jonathan is new to Imagination Stage, but has previously been seen in The Kennedy Center's tours of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, The Phantom Tollbooth, and Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical. The role of the Witch is portrayed by Gillian Shelly. Also new to Imagination Stage, Gillian has previously performed at the Kennedy Center, Toby's Dinner Theater, and Olney Theatre Center. Michael John Casey, last seen at Imagination Stage as George in George & Martha: Tons of Fun, returns as Simon The Valet (as well as several other characters).

The creative team for Rapunzel includes Musical Director Chris Youstra, Set Designer Milagros Ponce de Leon, Costume Designer Frank Labovitz, Lighting Designer Zachary Gilbert, and Choreographer Ilona Kessel.

Director Kathryn Chase Bryer says, "There is a feeling that these tales are ancient and therefore timeless. When I began conversations with the designers about the world of Rapunzel, we all agreed that though the story takes place in 'fairytale land,' this script has a modern feel to it and we wanted to capture the feeling. To that end, we have come up with some really extreme costume ideas that feel modern, even futuristic in some ways, and we juxtapose this high fashion style with a set reminiscent of a classical fairytale."

Appropriate for ages 4 and up, tickets are $10 to $22, and may be purchased online at www.imaginationstage.org, at the Imagination Stage box office, or via phone at 301-280-1660. Group rates are available.

Following Rapunzel, the 2011-12 season continues with The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (June 20-August 12).

Photo Credit: Scott Suchman.