Cape May Stage Presents a New Adaptation of the Classic Story "The Little Prince"

(Cape May, NJ) -- Cape May Stage, Cape May's professional Equity theatre, in collaboration with Bristol Riverside Theatre of Bucks County, PA, is proud to announce an astonishing and beautiful new take on a classic story.  Often regarded as a children's story, The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's, is actually a tale for all ages about understanding how to laugh, love and cry again.  Opening November 26 and running through December 30, this new adaptation, directed and re-conceived by stage and screen puppeteer Scott Hitz, uses life sized puppets, live actors, original music, and magnificent sets to bring to life the heart-warming story of the Little Prince who gains rare and unique insights into love, loss, and laughter.  Perfect for the whole family, this heart-warming production exemplifies the best of what the holiday season means to each of us.

In association with Monkey Boys Productions, (puppet builders on Avenue Q and Little Shop of Horrors), The Little Prince stars Philadelphia-based actors Lenny Haas as the Aviator, Broadway stage and screen puppeteer Marc Petrosino (Little Shop of Horrors) as the Men in Planets, and Carole Anne Raffa as Rose, the desert flower.  Joining the cast from Los Angeles is Leila Ghaznavi as the Little Prince and NY-based stage and screen puppeteer and Emmy winning designer Michael Shupbach as the Fox.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's simple tale of a wayward prince has become one of the most beloved stories of all time, having been translated from the original French into over 180 languages, spawning scores of adaptations, including multiple films, songs, and at least one opera.  Ostensibly a children's story, the prince's travels throughout the universe bring him into contact with several flawed adults, each of whom bears a condemnable character defect. The prince eventually travels to Earth, where he learns valuable lessons about individuality and love, and the responsibilities involved therein.  His adventures on Earth bring to bear a harsh mirror to the human existence, commenting on the futility of the rat race and the disconnect we share with one another.  In the end, The Little Prince presents to us an unmistakable plea to keep what's important in life close to your heart.

This script, by John Scoullar and Rick Cummins, is adapted, directed and conceived by Scott Hitz, and features puppets by multiple Emmy Award-winning designer Michael Schupbach of Jim Henson's Muppet Workshop. This premiere concert version at Cape May Stage marks the first stop on its journey to theatrical prominence. This production of The Little Prince is a multi-layered visual feast to awaken the child tucked away inside us all.

The Little Prince officially opens Friday, November 26 at 8:00 PM at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse at the corner of Bank & Lafayette Streets in downtown Cape May.   Performances are November 26 through December 30, 2010, Thursdays –Sundays, 8PM Saturdays & Sundays, 3PM.  Tickets are $35 adults ($40 on Saturday evenings), $30 seniors, and $12.50 students. Call (609) 884-1341 for reservations and information or visit the theatre's Web site, www.capemaystage.com.

This production is generously sponsored by the Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall and The Ebbitt Room at the Virginia.  This season's sponsors include 410 Bank Street/Frescos, Exit Zero, The Washington Inn, Cape May Winery, and Lucky Bones.