South Jersey Players will present a musical adaptation of “Rumplestiltskin” Aug. 19-20 at studio;space in Somers Point.
Marlene May, president of South Jersey Players, and Ellen Mandel collaborated on an adaptation of the popular fairy tale with music. May wrote the script adaptation and lyrics in verse with the goal of introducing young audiences to heightened language. Mandel composed the music.
They first produced the work at the Jean Coctaul Repertory Company in New York City under the mentorship of then-Artistic Director David Fuller. The production was featured in the Cocteau lobby, a casual space perfect for children’s theater.
The piano score was updated and script tweaked for current cast members. Twins Winnie Mei and Quinnie Mei will be piano accompanists. Technical Director Jim Erickson will be assisted by Chartertech High School student Jess Nicole Luciano. Kim Halverson will be assistant stage manager, and Heidi Mae will be the house manager. Patti Meunier will help with refreshments.
Children ages 3-12 and adults hoping to tap into their inner child will enjoy this unique version.
Joe Chialastri is Rumpelstiltskin, Ahmad Marshall the Miller/Witch, Marlene May directs and Yamirah Williams is Penelope.
The Miller/Witch will be played by Ahmad Marshall; Penelope by Yamirah Williams, The King by Burke Erickson and Rumpelstiltskin by Joe Chialastri.
Performance dates are 3 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20.
Studio;space is located at 112 Woodland Ave. near The Crab Trap restaurant. Tickets are $10. Reservations can be made by calling 347-920-6399.
