SCR Kicks Off Theatre for Young Audiences Season with ELLA ENCHANTED: The Musical

By: Sep. 20, 2017
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South Coast Repertory opens the 2017-18 Theatre for Young Audiences series with the popular Ella Enchanted: The Musical, Oct. 27-Nov.12. This play, based on the book by Gail Carson Levine, has been adapted for the stage by Karen Zacarías, with music by Deborah Wicks La Puma. Casey Stangl directs the enchanting musical on the Julianne Argyros Stage. Tickets are on sale now: www.scr.org.

Levine's 1997 Newbery Honor book has been a beloved tale for countless young readers, making it the perfect story to bring to life with music for the stage.

As a baby, Ella is given the "gift" of obedience by a misguided fairy godmother and, as a result, cannot disobey any order. Now a teenager, the strong-willed Ella must outwit her evil stepmother, escape hungry ogres and hold on to her best friend, all while getting rid of her troublesome curse and finding her own voice.

"Ella Enchanted is by far the best Cinderella story out there," said Kat Zukaitis, literary associate and dramaturg for the show. "It's a modern fairytale about a girl growing up and taking charge of her destiny. Ella is a smart, determined protagonist who musters her resourcefulness and love of language to face down curses, ogres and her gleefully malicious stepsisters. Nine out of 10 ogres say 'delicious!'"

"I'm thrilled to open the new young audiences season with this musical adaptation of Ella Enchanted," says John Glore, associate artistic director. "It's a popular book that became a popular movie-and this new stage adaptation is a tuneful delight. In Levine's re-envisioning of the Cinderella story, the mistreated girl of the age-old fairy tale has become a strong, resourceful heroine who won't let an unfortunate witch's curse stop her from pursuing her dreams. And the stage version retains all the magic and fantasy elements of the original book while adding puppets, beautiful costumes and great songs! Parents can bring their kids to Ella Enchanted confident that they'll be captivated by the stage magic while also being exposed to a positive message about how to stand up for yourself and overcome adversity."

The design and creative team includes Debora Wicks La Puma, music director; Keith Mitchell, scenic design; Angela Balogh Calin, costume design; Karyn Lawrence, lighting design; Jeff Polunas, sound design; Sean Cawelti, puppet design; and Joanne DeNaut, CSA, casting. The production manager is Jackie S. Hill, and the stage manager is Darlene Miyakawa.

Ella Enchanted: The Musical is generously supported by Corporate Honorary Haskell & White LLP. The media partner is OC Family magazine.

Tickets start at $23 for children ages 4-12; $29 for adults. For complete information, visit www.scr.org



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