Arden Children's Theatre's THE LIGHT PRINCESS Opens in Previews Next Week

Arden Theatre Company presents the world premiere of THE LIGHT PRINCESS, adapted from the story by George MacDonald, with book and lyrics by Tony Lawton and original music by Alex Bechtel. Steve Pacek directs. It runs from April 5 - May 28, 2017 on the Arden's F. Otto Haas stage at 40 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia.

Based on the Scottish legend by George MacDonald, THE LIGHT PRINCESS tells the story of a teenager who has no gravity of any kind - in addition to having no feelings for others she floats in the air, unable to ever touch the ground. Filled with wonderful characters and a beguiling score, this enchanting, clever and wickedly funny new musical will delight kids and parents alike.

The creators of THE LIGHT PRINCESS are Tony Lawton (book and lyrics) and Alex Bechtel (music), two of Philadelphia's most accomplished artists and actors. The show received a musical workshop reading at the 2015 Philadelphia Fringe Festival.

Arden Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen says, "The goal of Arden Children's Theatre is to give families and children a world-class theatrical experience that speaks to them. I saw this show when it was in development at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival and fell in love with it. How proud we are to offer a world premiere musical by local home-grown talent that is, in our opinion, equal to any of the best work out there for children and families."

The cast includes both Lawton and Bechtel as the show's narrator and the Prince/Witch respectively. Other members of the ensemble include Rob Tucker as the King, Emily Gardner Xu Hall as the Queen and Brett Robinson as the Princess. The ensemble cast all play a musical instrument to provide the accompaniment for the show.

THE LIGHT PRINCESS is made possible by the Arden's New Musical Theatre Works Initiative, supported by a leadership grant from the Independence Foundation.

Schedule and Events

Previews of THE LIGHT PRINCESS begin on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 and continue through Friday, April 14, 2017 at 12 noon. The show opens on Friday, April 14, 2017 at 7pm and runs through Sunday, May 28, 2017. A full calendar of events can be found here. Opening Night Sponsors are Franklin Fountain and Whole Foods Market. Arden Children's Theatre Season Sponsor is Comcast.

THE LIGHT PRINCESS includes weekday matinee performances for students and weekend performances for families. Single ticket prices are $18 - $36, with discounts available for groups of 20 or more, seniors, students, military, and educators. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, visit www.ardentheatre.org or walk-up at the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia.

Founded in 1988, Arden Theatre Company is dedicated to bringing to life great stories by great storytellers-on the stage, in the classroom, and in the community. Five productions are staged each season as part of the Mainstage series and two productions through Arden Children's Theatre, the city's first resident professional children's theatre program. New work is produced through the Independence Foundation New Play Showcase. The Arden's Education Department includes: Arden for All (AFA), a theatre access and education program for underserved young people; Arden Drama School, the after-school, Saturday, and summer camp classes for students in grades pre K-12; Teen Arden, an immersive after-school access program for Philadelphia-area based teenagers; and the Arden Professional Apprentice Program, a nationally renowned comprehensive theatre management training program. The Hamilton Family Arts Center is the new facility dedicated to education programs and new play development.

The Arden has received numerous honors including 63 awards and 331 nominations from the Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre. The Arden is a winner of four "Theatre Company of the Year" designations (Philadelphia Inquirer), six Philadelphia Magazine "Best of Philly" awards and three "Best of Philly Kids" awards, the City Paper's Reader's Choice Award and the prestigious "Great Friend to Kids Award" from the Please Touch Museum for Arden Children's Theatre work. For accessibility efforts, the Arden was named a "Keystone of Accessibility" by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Arden Theatre Company is a professional, nonprofit 501(c)(3) theatre company and a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the League of Resident Theatres, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Old City Arts Association. The Arden also participates in The Barrymore Awards, a program of Theatre Philadelphia.

LISTINGS EDITORS:

WHAT:

THE LIGHT PRINCESS

Adapted from the story by George MacDonald

Book and Lyrics by Tony Lawton

Music by Alex Bechtel

Directed by Steve Pacek

SUMMARY:

Based on the Scottish legend by George MacDonald, THE LIGHT PRINCESS tells the story of a teenager who has no gravity of any kind - in addition to having no feelings for others she floats in the air, unable to ever touch the ground. Filled with wonderful characters and a beguiling score, this enchanting, clever and wickedly funny new musical will delight kids and parents alike.

WHERE:

Arden Theatre Company

F. Otto Haas Stage
40 N. 2nd Street, Old City Philadelphia 19106

ARCADIA STAGE

WHEN:

April 5, 2017 - May 28, 2017

Press Opening: Friday, April 14, 2017

TICKETS:

Call the Box Office at 215.922.1122 or visit www.ardentheatre.org or walk-up at the box office, 40 N. 2nd Street

$18 - $36 depending on age and the performance chosen

Group discounts available for 20+

Student Rush tickets at the door 30 minutes before curtain for $10 cash, pending availability (must present valid student ID)

CAST:

Prince/Witch Alex Bechtel

MacDonald Anthony Lawton

Queen/Humdrum Emily Gardner Xu Hall

Princess Brett Robinson

King/Kopykeck Rob Tucker

ARTISTIC TEAM:

Director
Steve Pacek

Scenic Designer
Nick Benacerraf

Costume Designer
Jill Keys

Lighting Designer
Oona Curley

Sound Designer/Composer
Rick Sims

Katie Ringwood

SPECIAL EVENTS and PERFORMANCES

Post-show question and answer sessions follow each performance. Audience members can also meet and greet cast members in the lobby following each performance.

The Arden is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices and large-print programs at every performance. ASL shadow interpreted performances by Hands Up will take place on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 7pm and Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 4pm. Reservations are required for accessible seating and can be made through the Arden's Box Office at 215.922.1122.

Remaining shows in the Arden's 2016/17 Season include:

Gypsy by Arthur Laurents, Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, May 18 - June 25, 2017