Happy Prince is 'Next Stage' Offering at Long Wharf

The "Next Stage Program", Long Wharf Theatre’s program for early-career theatre professionals, will present The Happy Prince, a devised adaptation of the beloved children’s story by Oscar Wilde, on Saturday, April 3 at 11 am and 1 pm on the Mainstage.

Admission is free and donations are encouraged, but seating is limited. To make general admission reservations, please call the box office at 203-787-4282.

"The Happy Prince" is one of Oscar Wilde’s best-loved fairy tales. It tells the story of a magnificent golden statue who, with the help of a kind young swallow, spreads goodwill throughout his kingdom. But as winter approaches, the swallow must decide whether to join his flock in Egypt or to risk his life by staying behind to help his new friend. A sense of theatrical magic and wonder abounds in this tale about charity, friendship, and hope, told with Wilde’s trademark grace and wit.

The Happy Prince will be directed by Long Wharf’s Associate Artistic Director Eric Ting. In his sixth season at Long Wharf, Ting’s recent directing credits include this season’s Sylvia, the world premiere of The Old Man And The Sea (which he also co-adapted), The Bluest Eye (a co-production with Hartford Stage), and Underneath the Lintel.

The show will be stage managed by Jamie Steffen, of Brookfield, CT. The ensemble cast features Bethany Fitzgerald, of Stafford Springs, CT; Jesse Gabbard, of North Haven, CT; Sarah Kronenberg, of Cranston, RI; Corey Morrison, of Bowling Green, KY; and Joshua Wills, of Ansonia, CT.

The creative team includes Next Stage residents Christal Boyd (lighting design) of Dallas, TX; Maureen Hill (properties master) of Hutchinson, KS; Tracey Lattimer (scenic design, technical direction), of Roselle, NJ; Catherine Mason (costume design), of Brasher Falls, NY; Corey Morrison (marketing) of Bowling Green, KY; Erin Treat (dramaturg, publicity), of Tucson, AZ; and Heather Walker (sound design), of Donegal, Ireland. Bill Ruth will provide original music and live Foley for the production.

For more information, visit www.longwharf.org.