Storybook Musical Theatre, one of the Greater Philadelphia area’s premiere children’s theater companies, will open its 24th season of three original musicals for family audiences on December 19, 2015. The musicals are based on stories by L. Frank Baum, Madame de Beaumont and an Old English Folk Tale. The Abington-based, non-profit, professional, Equity children’s theatre will present performances at two locations in the Philadelphia area; the Gratz College Theater in Melrose Park and the Bluett Theater of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
Storybook’s season opener will be the ever-popular WIZARD OF OZ. This original adaptation by Patricia Goldberg, Storybook’s Artistic Director, is based on the beloved tale by L. Frank Baum. Kevin Arruda composed its original music. WIZARD OF OZ will be performed from December 19 to December 30 at the Gratz College Theater, Melrose Ave. & Old York Rd., Melrose Park, Pa. and will conclude its run from January 12 to 16, 2016 at the Bluett Theater at St. Joseph’s University, 54th & Overbrook Av, Philadelphia. The musical follows Dorothy as she is swept up in a tornado and lands, unintentionally, on the sister of a not so pleasant Wicked Witch, who has her eyes on Dorothy’s fancy, ruby footwear. The Good Witch tells Dorothy to venture down the yellow brick road where she meets a Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion. Along the journey the adventurers learn that wishes really do come true and there truly is no place like home.
The second offering, based on an Old English Folk Tale, is JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, with original script by Patricia Goldberg and music also by Kevin Arruda. It will be presented from
March 8 to March 20, 2016 at the Gratz College Theater. What happens when a young boy trades his family cow for a handful of beans? It leads to an upward adventure into the clouds where he meets a most disagreeable ogre and his more considerate wife. Join us for the excitement and wonder and see how Jack saves the day, defeats the ogre, and brings peace and happiness to his family and village.
The final offering of the season will be about a young woman and how must sacrifice her freedom to live with an enchanted Beast. It’s the beloved tale, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, based on the well-known fairy tale by Madame de Beaumont. Patricia Goldberg adapted the story with music by Kevin Arruda. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST first plays from May 3 to 7, 2016 at St. Joseph’s University, then from May 21 to May 27 at the Gratz College Theater. It concludes with a summer engagement at the Gratz College Theater from July 12 to July 26, 2016. The story tells of Beauty, who in order to save her father, must reside with a hideous Beast. During her stay she comes to learn to love the cursed Prince despite his looks. Beauty realizes that beauty is only skin deep and true love can be found within a person’s character.
Individual tickets for all Storybook shows are $12.00 for children and $14.00 for adults.
School and group discounts of up to 40% are available, as is a reduced 3-show subscription plan. Show times vary with each production. All Storybook shows are appropriate for age 3 and older, and everyone gets to meet the cast for a handshake, photo, or autograph after every performance. For information, to obtain a seasonal brochure, or book a group or school trip, call Storybook Musical Theatre at 215-659-8550 or visit its web site at: www.storybookmusical.org.
Theater/Organization Storybook Musical Theatre
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.storybookmusical.org
Theater/Organization Address: 7605 Old York Rd Old York Rd. & Melrose Av. Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19027 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (215) 659-8550
