The Little Prince Begins Classics for Kids! Series
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) launched a new offering, Classics for Kids! This series is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, along with additional funding provided by Stark D. Kirby, Jr.
The launch of the new series was on Saturday, August 12, with a beautiful and heart warming production of the The Little Prince by Antonine de Saint-Exupéry. It was a staged reading done with scenery, props, music, and lighting. A superb cast brought the story to life.
This stage version is by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar, based on the original novella. STNJ’s Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte directed the reading.
I Love Children’s Theater
I attended this reading because of my love of children’s theater. Also, I have heard a lot about The Little Prince but never got into reading the entire piece. So this seemed like a nice way to learn more about the much talked about novella.
Fully expecting to be the only adult attending without a child, it was a nice surprise at the 2:00 show to see that I was not the only one! In fact, the audience was a testament to how theater brings people together because there were families, grandparents with children, and groups of adults of all ages in the audience.
The story of The Little Prince begins with an Aviator on the ground trying to repair his plane. The Little Prince approaches him and tells him tales of his travels on earth and other planets he has visited and what he saw. Imagination abounds as flowers come to life along with tales of people he has met both on earth and other planets. The characters described each bring a lesson to examine. Even when The Snake arrives, there are things to consider.
This was a staged reading. However, it was so well put together that one could easily count it as a play. The only thing making it look like a staged reading were the loose-leaf notebooks the cast held to use for their notes. Many skillful techniques were utilized so that you could hardly tell that a script was in their hands..
The Little Prince appeals to children but adults as well. Many of the lessons shared by the little prince are things that adults struggle with. The innocence of a child allows adults to view these issues in a different light.
The Cast
Jon Barker leads the cast as the Aviator along with David Mattle as the Little Prince. Barker gave a fine performance as he struggles to understand this young person who finds him with his broken down aircraft. This was a first time performance for David Mattle at STNJ but he carried it off very well. His performance was sweet but well polished with his stage presence and delivery.
The cast also includes Dino Curia (The King, The Businessman, and The Geographer), and Greg Jackson (The Fox). Also in the reading were Carolyne Leys (The Desert Flower, Echo, and a Pink Rose) and Isaac Hickox-Young (The Conceited Man and The Lamplighter). Billie Wyatt played the role of The Snake
Peri Gilpin joined the cast as The Rose. She is well known for her role as Roz Doyle in the NBC sitcom Frasier.
Creative Touches Add Much to the Staged Reading
The Little Prince features production design and projected drawings by Bonnie J. Monte; inspired by the original drawings by Antoine de St. Exupéry. Lighting Design is by Steven Beckel and Jenna Gregson served as the Production Stage Manager.
Upcoming Classics for Kids! Shows
The Dragon King | A Tanglewood Marionettes Production
The Dragon King | A Tanglewood Marionettes Production
November 4th — 11:00 a.m.
Description of the show:
A terrible drought has overtaken the land, and all the world has turned brown and lifeless. The Dragon King is the ruler of the waters, and the people are beginning to wonder why he has not brought the precious rains in such a very long time. An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, Tanglewood Marionettes’ latest production tells the tale of a wise Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea to seek the Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. With colorful sea creatures, an exciting adventure, and all the visual splendor that audiences have come to expect from a Tanglewood Marionettes production, The Dragon King is a heart-warming tale that will thrill young and old alike.
Founded in 1993 by Anne Ware and Peter Schaefer, Tanglewood Marionettes is a nationally touring marionette theater based in New England.
– STNJ Press Notes
Staged Reading of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen
December 16th — 11:00 a.m.
Description of the show:
This classic is one of Andersen’s most acclaimed fairy tales. It is the story of two best friends, Gerda and Kai, who grow apart when their world is overcome by dark forces. Kai is influenced by the Snow Queen, whose intentions are evil, and Kai quickly betrays the bond between him and Gerda. With the help of a slew of characters, Gerda reunites with her friend, and the audience is left to reflect on an all too familiar theme – one’s circumstances may shape who one becomes, but with love and compassion, good can overcome evil.
– STNJ Press Notes
How to Go to Classics for Kids! Performances
Tickets are $15 for patrons 17 and under. Adult tickets are $20.
For more information about The Shakespeare Theatre’s Classics for Kids performances, please call the Box Office at (973) 408-5600 or visit the website, shakespearenj.org.