Storybook Musical Theatre, one of the Philadelphia area's premiere theater companies for family entertainment, will present its 17th season of original musical adaptations based on beloved children's' stories and fairy tales from such famous authors as Charles Perrault and the Grimm Brothers. The Abington, PA. based, non-profit, professional, Equity children's theatre will present a three-show season with performances at two locations in the Philadelphia area.

Theatergoers of all ages will find it hard to "sleep" through Storybook's season opener, "Sleeping Beauty." This original adaptation of the beloved Charles Perrault story has a book by Patricia Goldberg, Storybook's Artistic Director, with original music by composer Kevin Arruda. It first plays from December 17 to January 4, 2009 at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center, Huntingdon Pike and Tomlinson Road in Bryn Athyn, PA., (Huntingdon Valley). "Sleeping Beauty" then concludes its run at the Bluett Theater at St. Joseph's University, 54th & Overbrook Av., Philadelphia from January 6 to 10, 2009. The musical, filled with magic and suspense, tells the story of a beautiful princess who is put under a spell by an evil fairy because of jealousy. Only a prince's kiss will release her from her deep sleep. Will the Prince triumph over the obstacles placed in his way by the evil fairy? Join the Storybook cast in the enchanted woods to find out.

The second offering will tell the familiar tale of the girl in the crimson cape. "Little Red Riding Hood," a musical based on the Grimm Brothers' story, will be presented March 2 to March 15, 2009, at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Bryn Athyn, PA. The book is also by Patricia Goldberg with music by Kevin Arruda. The story follows the younger lady as she ventures into a deep, dark forest with the mission of bringing some goodies to her poor sick granny. Along the way she learns a lesson about talking to strangers, especially a wolf in granny's clothing.

The final offering of the season will be "Rapunzel," also based on Grimm Brothers' story. One of Storybook's favorite musicals it tells of the misfortunes of the girl with the long braids who is stranded high in a tower with no way out by an evil witch. Can a handsome prince, who just happens to pass by, rescue her from her captor? This musical is also by the writing team of Goldberg and Arruda. It first plays from May 10 to 16, 2009 at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center. Its next stop is St. Joseph University's Bluett Theater from May 26 to 30 and then concludes with a summertime run at the Mitchell Center from July 28 to August 8, 2009.

Individual tickets for all Storybook shows are $10.00 for children and $12.00 for adults. School and group discounts of up to 30% are available, as is a reduced rate 3-show subscription plan. Show times vary with each production. All Storybook shows are appropriate for ages 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.

Storybook's mission is the cultural enrichment and education of children (as young as age 3) and their families by introducing them to original musical adaptations based on fairy tales, folk lore and children's literature. It hopes to stimulate young imaginations and help develop a life-long appreciation of theater by developing the theater going audience of the future.