Princeton Variety Theater are set to present Jack And The Beanstalk: Panto In The British Style.
In this adaption of Jack and the Beanstalk, good-hearted market gardener, Jack (Eva Farrell) falls for the brainy but aloof Astra (Amara Leonard). Jack fears he cannot win Astra’s heart because he lacks an education. True to the traditional tale, Jack has money troubles, caused largely by his pleasure-seeking mother, Gertie (Todd Reichart). Jack winds up selling his cow, Spoonie, to a stranger from overseas (Alastair Binnie) whose advice lands Jack in the giant’s lair.
The script, written by Zoe Brookes, Todd Reichart and Per Kreipke features local businesses, local stories and jokes for all the family. Brookes and Plainsboro music teacher Michael Jacobsen have created original music for the show.
The show involves more than 40 community members both front and back stage, including singers, dancers, acrobats and musicians. Performers are all locals and span ages 7 to around 70. The show features many parents performing with their children.
Princeton Variety Theater is now into its fifth season. Following successes at the Arts Council of Princeton’s Paul Robeson Center include Shockheaded Peter, Stone Soup, On Air and (un)connected.
Performances are scheduled for 2p.m. an 7 p.m. Feb. 15 and 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at Stuart Country Day School’s Stuart Little Theater, 1200 Stuart Road, Princeton.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and seniors.
More information is online at artscouncilofprinceton.org.