SteppingStone Presents A LITTLE PRINCESS, Closes 11/6

By: BWW News Desk Nov. 06, 2011

Frances Hodgson Burnet's classic tale A Little Princess takes on a musical spin in this new production by playwright Jenna Zark with original music by composer Gary Rue. Sarah Crewe, is a rich-girl-turned-orphan whose stories save her and those around her when life becomes too harsh. Set in Victorian England, Sarah and the others at Miss Minchin¹s school find there is power and redemption in make-believe, love, and each other.

Composer Gary Rue, recent winner of an Ivey Award, says ³I'm very excited about this show! It's another great Jenna Zark adaptation, and the music is some of the most melodic yet complex I've written for a SteppingStone cast. Writing the music was a challenge, but I knew that I could create intricate music for these young performers, because I'm sure the cast is up to it. I don¹t believe in composing Œsimple¹ music for young performers, not only do they appreciate difficult pieces, but younger singers are as good as older singers (if not better) because they have no pre-conceived notions about what they can and cannot sing. They can do anything! Prudence Johnson is the Music Director, and with her guidance and with Laura Wilhelm as the Director, this will be a can't miss show!²

Jenna Zark, who created this SteppingStone-commissioned adaptation specifically for their stage says, "I so loved reading A Little Princess as a child and since Sarah was a storyteller, she was always one of my favorite characters. SteppingStone and their actors are amazing and the quality of their work is so high. I am truly looking forward to seeing this production!"

This is Jenna Zark¹s fourth play for SteppingStone Theatre. Her previous works were historical pieces about the early years in Minnesota's history, ³Buried Treasure at Old Fort Snelling,² ³Little Bird That Was Caught² and ³Historic Fort Snelling: Wilderness End.² She is currently working on ³The Magic Dreidels² at the Minnesota Jewish Theatre for Hanukkah, opening on December 13 through December 21.

She says, "Writing for children is really interesting because children aren't polite; if they don't like what they see onstage, they won't sit still and listen. So you really have to grab their attention - and their hearts. To do that, you have to keep things moving and make sure the story you're telling is a good one."

Brought to the stage in true SteppingStone fashion, with gorgeous costumes and sets that capture the essence of the story, this production of a beloved classic story will be sure to entertain and delight audience members of all ages.

About SteppingStone Theatre:

SteppingStone Theatre¹s productions are professionally created and produced, with talents drawn from the best in the Twin Cities and throughout the U.S. The young actors are rigorously trained, but remain fresh and vibrant, bringing their joy and sense of fun to all SteppingStone Theatre¹s productions. Enjoyed by all ages, adults as well as children, SteppingStone Theatre¹s productions are affordable, high-quality entertainment.

Performance Information:

All performances are in SteppingStone Theatre¹s new home, a beautifully renovated 100-year-old architectural gEm Located at 55 Victoria Street North, one block north of Summit Avenue in the Historic Hill District of St. Paul. Performances are appropriate for all ages. SteppingStone Theatre is fully-accessible to persons with disabilities, and has regularly-scheduled ASL & Audio Described performances. Interpreters can be scheduled for other performances at no additional cost upon request.

Ticket Prices:
Adults: $14.00
Children & Seniors: $11.00
Groups 20+: $7.00 (scholarships available)

Performance times and tickets are available at (651) 225-9265 or www.steppingstonetheatre.org

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