For Immediate Release: April 17, 2006
Media Contact: Marc S. Goldberg, Storybook Musical Theatre, 215.659.8550

Storybook Musical Theatre, the Abington-based professional, Equity, children's theater company, will present an original adaptation of the well-known Grimm Brothers' tale "Hansel and Gretel.". The musical plays first from May 13 to May 26 at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center, 800 Tomlinson Rd, Bryn Athyn, PA. (Huntingdon Valley)., and then from May 30 to June 3 at the Bluett Theater of St. Joseph's University, 56th & Overbrook Av, in Philadelphia. Tickets are $10.00 for children and $12.00 for adults. For reservations or more information call: 215-659-8550.

Storybook's Artistic Director, Patricia Goldberg has adapted the book from both the Grimm Brothers' tale and the Humperdinck opera, with original music by composer Kevin Arruda. In this famous story, Hansel and Gretel begin the tale hungry because their father's broom-making business has hit a slump. After accidentally spilling the last pitcher of milk, the siblings venture into the forest in hopes of finding something for dinner. They become lost and are discovered by Freda the Fox, who turns out to be the deputy for the forest's mythical witch, Rosinna Rubylips Daintymouth. The jolly, old witch, who lives in a house made of gingerbread, would like nothing better than to have the children for dinner. Soon Hansel and Gretel find themselves in a desperate situation as the witch prepares them as her next delicacy. The children must trust an unlikely friend to help them escape and find their way home.

Storybook has gathered six talented, local, professional actors for their cast:

In the young Hansel is Dan Sanchez, of Newark, DE. He is making his Storybook debut in "Hansel and Gretel". Regional credits include; "Seussical" and "Annie" at Premier Centre for the Arts, "Damn Yankees", "West Side Story", "Smokey Joe's Cafe", "Jekyll & Hyde" at Three Little Bakers' Dinner Theatre, "Schoolhouse Rock, Live" at New Candlelight Dinner Theater. Dan is a graduate of the University of Delaware.

Jamie Mc Kittrick is the quick thinking Gretel who helps save her brother. Jamie, of Philadelphia, is also stepping on the Storybook stage or the first time. Regional credits include: " The Robber Bridegroom" at New Line Theater, the New York premiere of "Anything's Dream" at the Flea Theater, "Private Eyes" and "The Diviners" at West End Players Guild and "A Chorus Line" at Muhlenberg Summer Theater.

The Witch is played by another newcomer, Eleonore Thomas, of New Castle, DE. She has been seen locally in "Sound of Music" and "Cabaret" at New Candlelight Dinner Theater, "A Christmas Carol" at the Walnut St. Theater, "Damn Yankees", " Music Man" and "Annie" at Three Little Bakers Dinner Theater. She is a graduate of the Westminster Choir College.

The Fox, who befriends the children, is played Deirdre Finnegan, of Glenside, PA. Storybook credits include "Cindrella", "Puss 'N Boots" and "The Dancing Princesses". Regional credits include: "Hello, Again" at City Theatre Company, "Starting Her, Starting Now" at Hedgerow Theater, "Scrooge" at Media Theater. In addition, Deirdre is a director and choreographer.

The misunderstood mother is played by Storybook veteran, Maryann Bucci, of Yardley, PA. Maryann was seen last season in "Pinocchio" as the Blue Fairy. Other Storybook credits include: the Mother in "Rapunzel", Granny Fanny in "Little Red Riding Hood", Madeline in "Emperor's New Clothes", the Stepmother in "Cinderella", just to name a few. In addition, Maryann has been seen in numerous commercials and films and is an accomplished opera singer.

Rounding out the cast is a perennial Storybook favorite, Dana Schmidt, of Jenkintown, PA. reprising his role of the forlorn father. Dana was just seen in the Storybook production of "Aladdin" as the Sultan. Other Storybook credits include: Geppetto in "Pinocchio", the Emperor in "Emperor's New Clothes", the shoemaker in "Elves and the Shoemaker", the fathers in "Beauty and the Beast" and "Rapunzel", and many kings. When not acting he is an auctioneer.

Children's tickets are $10.00, Adults are $12.00 with generous school/group discounts available. Show times are Tuesday to Friday at 10:15 am, Saturday at 11:00 am. and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Some shows are sold-out, please call for availability.

A special "Family Fun Day" is planned during the run of "Hansel & Gretel" on May 20, 2006 from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. It will provide a wide range of family-friendly activities featuring Storybook characters, clowns, face-painting, arcade games, a caricaturist, lunch and prizes for all. For more information call our box office at 215-659-8550 for prices and reservations.

All Storybook productions are appropriate for ages 3 and older. After each performance, as always, everyone will have the opportunity to meet the characters for a hand shake, pictures, or an autograph. For information, reservations or directions, call the box office at 215-659-8550 or check Storybook's web site at: www.storybookmusical.org.

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