It’s been more than 70 years since The Little Prince fell to Earth.
Originally published in 1943, the beloved children’s story by French writer/aristocrat Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is about to make its way to Vernon for a theatrical production Saturday at the Performing Arts Centre.
Produced by Calgary-Toronto company Monster Theatre, who have been at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre previously with Mini Masterpieces, The Shakespeare Show and A Christmas Carol, The Little Prince will be told through puppets, masks, original music, and a little theatre magic.
Like the book, the theatrical production is described as a celebration of open-mindedness, open-heartedness and the beauty of imagination.
“The storytelling experts of Monster Theatre capture the hearts and funny bones of audiences of all ages as they bring Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s cherished novella to life,” reads a release from the VPAC society, presenting the show as the third of four productions in its 2014-15 kids’ series.
In the French novella, translated into more than 250 different languages, a pilot stranded in the desert meets a young prince who has fallen to Earth from a tiny asteroid.
The Little Prince has only ever known his little planet, Asteroid 325, so small that it is possible to witness the sunset 44 times in one day, where a single rose can believe it is the only one of its kind in the universe, and if a single baobab tree sprout were allowed to grow, it would swallow the planet up with its roots.
In Monster Theatre’s original production, the Little Prince leaves his planet to explore the cosmos, and his life changes forever.
Directed by award-winning director/playwright Ryan Gladstone, the Little Prince’s journey comes to life on the stage in surprising and hilarious ways, says the VPAC society.
“Nancy Kenny plays the prince with wonder, athleticism and a comedic commitment to French, the original language in which the tale was penned, while actor/puppeteer Tara Travis plays everyone else, from the prince’s beloved rose, to the narrator pilot, to the occupants of various planets, to a wily snake, and more.
“Families will experience talking roses and foxes and venture out on interplanetary travel while learning about love and loyalty.”
Tickets for Saturday’s performance, which starts at 2 p.m., are $12 for all seats and can be purchased at the Ticket Seller box office by calling 250-549-7469 or online at www.ticketseller.ca.
