Storybook Land Theatre opens season with ‘The Princess and the Pea’

It’s the day Prince Pete of Paragonia has been waiting for his entire life: the day he must choose his bride.

Princesses arrive at the palace from all over the world, hoping to win not only the prince’s love but the approval of his parents, King Pendleton and Queen Pandora.

The only problem is that the prince’s heart has already been won by his childhood best friend, Jean, even if he doesn’t realize it yet. Will love conquer all as the princesses compete to be the prince’s wife? Or will a dozen mattresses and a tiny pea stand in the way of Pete and Jean’s fairytale ending?

Storybook Land Theatre starts its 25th anniversary season with the Discover Storybook Land Theatre Camp’s production of “The Princess and the Pea.”

Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, onstage at the Storybook Land Castle. All performances are free and open to the public.

“The Princess and the Pea,” by John O’Hara, is an adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen story of the same name. The cast features 30 youths from ages 6 to 14, including SBLT veterans and first-timers. This large-cast adaptation of the classic storyline puts a twist on the tale, according to a news release. Queen Pandora’s plot to find out which young hopeful is a true princess is upset by Granny, who might or might not be related to anyone in the royal family.

The cast not only rehearses for the production during the two-week duration of the Discover camp, but also learns about theater basics, such as costumes, props, improvisation and character development.

The show features Maddie Schuelke as Jean; Jonah Kost, Prince Pete; Rawley Moore, Lord Pendragon; Michael Garafolo, Percy; Shelby Snow, Granny Primrose; Briggs Tople, King Pendleton; Julia Friedrichsen, Queen Pandora; Ellie Litzen, Princess Primonetta; Courtney Hanisch, Perdecia; Fionna Rigg, Panichelle; Kayleen Hermans, Politicia; Bailey Dillavou, Pozzolini; Anna Moore, Paxine; Cerelia Pharris, Priscinda; Lizzie Wagner, Prudelle; Emily Schwab, Palettina; Alexandria Schwab, Parthenia; Faith Roggow, Phillippa; Erica Schultz, Pomburlaine; Allie Garafalo, Pzpopalenka; John Schwab, the interpreter; Isabella Whitehouse, Parnassa; and Grace Kaiser as Pymlika.

The servants are played by Brandon Dillavou, Jenna Joachim, Catharina Scott, Christopher Schwab, Nicholas Schwab, Alison Serfling and Aidan Walker.

“This show is a fun-filled comedy that’s great for all ages, so be sure to come see us at the Storybook Land Castle so you don’t miss out on all the laughs,”said Brian T. Schultz, who is in his 14th year as director of Storybook Land Theatre.

For more information, visit the Storybook Land Theatre Facebook page or aberdeencommunity

theatre.com and click on Storybook Land Theatre.

SBLT is sponsored by Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department and Aberdeen Community Theatre’s Young People’s Theatre with funding from the South Dakota Arts Council and the Aberdeen Area Arts Council. South Dakota Arts Council support is provided with funds from the State of South Dakota through the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.