THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES to Open 5/17 at the Kelsey Theatre

Telling the truth is vitally important - in clothing, in politics and in life! That's the lesson of "The Emperor's New Clothes," coming to Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre May 17 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. This original musical adaptation is presented by the award-winning Kaleidoscope Theatre. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

In a delightful adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, we meet an emperor who is all about fashion! When two swindling tailors, Wilhelm and Lucinda, come along and tell him that the fine new clothes they have for made him are invisible to those who are stupid or incompetent, he pretends that his suit is indeed glorious - much to the chagrin of his minions, who are afraid to tell him the truth.

Several members of the audience will be selected to join in the merriment. One youngster will become a star as he/she assists in saving the tailors from the wrath of the emperor.

The Rhode-Island based Kaleidoscope Theatre has made Kelsey Theatre one of the regular stops for its traveling company; the troupe earned rave reviews for its production of "Heidi" in the fall. Founded in 1977, Kaleidoscope's goal is to educate and entertain young people through presentational and participatory drama.

Tickets are $10 for children and seniors, and $12 for adults. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Theatre Box Office at 609-570-3333. Free parking is available next to the theatre. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices upon request. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.

Pictured: Featured as the mischievous tailors in "The Emperor's New Clothes" are Andrew Faria as Wilhelm and Kaela Bergeron as Lucinda.