Theater Works Presents HANSEL AND GRETEL, Opening 5/10

Theater Works - Peoria Center for the Performing Arts Resident Youth Theatre Company presents the play Hansel and Gretel, opening this Friday night May 10, 2013.

Hansel and Gretel is a classic German fairy tale as imagined by The Brothers Grimm. It is the story of a poor, young brother and sister who are abandoned by their mother deep in a forest. Lost and hungry, they happen upon a lovely cottage constructed of cake and candy. Little do they know it belongs to a nasty witch who uses it to lure children so she can fatten them up and eat them! The siblings only hope of survival isto find a way to outwit the witch and escape her evil clutches.

Hansel and Gretel is directed by Brenda Goodenberger and features a talented cast of38 young actors ages seven to nineteen. "I have always wanted to play a witch," says nineteen year old Bailey Hall, who portrays the part of the Gingerbread Witch. "I have been practicing since I was little kid and I am so excited to perform the part for a live audience."

The stage version of this classic story was written by Vera Morris. It is written as an introduction to theatre for younger children. Morris has incorporated many characters of fantasy lore, such as fairies, sprites, trolls and hobgoblins.

"This story was written in the early 1800's and yet its message to children is timeless," says director, Brenda Goodenberger. "If you persevere and have courage, you can overcome any obstacle," continues Goodenberger. "This fairy tale also allows children to safely identify with their own fears and ultimately see good triumph over evil, and a family reunited."

Hansel and Gretel opens May 10, 2013 and plays through May 26, 2013 on selected dates and times. Tickets are only $15 including all fees. Call or email the Theater Works box office for more information.

Theater Works, the resident theatre company of Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, resides in the heart of old-town Peoria, Arizona. Beginning with a group of patrons who shared a common vision, it has grown into one of Arizona's most acclaimed theatre companies. Theater Works is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, call the box office at 623.815.7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org