Performances April 21-29, 2023
Tickets available at the door – check or cash only.
The Black Box at Eastridge High School
Lucille’s mother tells her the story of “The Princess King” as it unfolds before our eyes on the stage. Princess Genevieve wants to marry Henry, but he’s just a common cook. Of course, the king thinks this is ridiculous and takes it upon himself to choose who will be the next king and a suitable husband for his daughter. Though the princess begs her father to let her lead the kingdom herself, the king instead decides to hold a contest to find the next king. Princess Genevieve is outraged that she has been reduced to a trophy for her father’s contest, so she and Henry cook up a plot to have Genevieve enter the contest herself. Disguised as a prince, Genevieve is intent on proving to her father that she is worthy to wear the kingdom’s crown. Meanwhile, to cover for her absence, Henry clumsily masquerades as the princess, and Genevieve’s maid tries to cover for the cook! Filled with mistaken identities, tongue-in-cheek humor, and over-the-top characters, You will cheer for the princess as she tries to outsmart Prince Air-Guitar and evil “Prince Fluffy” and battle the great chicken-dragon, with some help from Henry’s delicious lasagna!
This production is by-kids, for-kids!
The Princess King is a co-production of Merrill Arts Center and The Play’s The Thing Theater.
Dayna Railton, Director
Dayna Railton has been a prolific director in the Twin Cities for nearly two decades, and loves working with kids. She has directed 142 plays including 37 full musicals in that timeframe. Dayna has been the Artistic Director of The Play’s the Thing Productions since 2009 in Lakeville. She has directed a number of plays with Merrill Arts Center, including last season’s sold-out hit production of Miss Nelson is Missing. The Princess King is the first co-production between The Play’s The Thing Production and Merrill Arts Center.
Miss Nelson can’t control her crazy classroom because she’s just too nice. But when she disappears, her replacement is the hard-as-nails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp! With the Big Test approaching, the kids suddenly realize how much they miss Miss Nelson and they’ll do anything — including hiring a private eye — to solve the mystery of her disappearance and bring her back.
Miss Nelson is Missing is Merrill Arts Center’s annual By-Kids-For-Kids educational program show! Miss Nelson is Missing is Produced by Special Arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)
“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines,” begins the story of Madeline. This holiday season will be unlike any other for Madeline and her friends. While on their morning walk with Miss Clavel, the girls come down with the flu, and as they take to their bed, many wonder if they will be able to go home for Christmas. With the arrival of a mysterious stranger, Madeline and the other girls get a holiday adventure beyond their wildest dreams. This is a musical play adapted from Ludwig Bemelmans’ delightful book. A holiday treat for the whole family!
Merrill Arts Center & Nothing Bundt Cakes cordially invites YOU to Madeline’s Petite Costume Patisserie Party!
When: Saturday, December 3 or Saturday, December 10
Time: 12:30 PM, before the 2 PM matinee of Madeline’s Christmas. Madeline’s Christmas tickets sold separately
Who: Madeline, 11 little girls all in a row, & Miss Clavell!
Where: The Loft Stage at East Ridge High School in Woodbury
What: It’s a costume tea party with the cast of Madeline’s Christmas! Bring your little one dressed as their favorite character from a book or movie! Party features a Bundtini from MAC Sponsor “Nothing Bundt Cakes” along with other snacks, a choice of juice or water, coloring pages and photo ops while meeting with the Madeline’s Christmas cast and Woodbury Royalty! Adults each get a Bundtini, snacks, and their choice of coffee, tea, juice or water. Madeline and cast will sing a few songs before taking to the stage for the show. (Show tickets not included in Party Ticket Packages.)
Bring your little one dressed as their favorite character from a book or movie!
Package Options
Deluxe Kid Party Package: $20 (includes Genuine Rhinestone Tiara or Super Hero Mask along party admission)
Basic Kid Party Package: $15 (includes party admission)
Adult Party Package: $10 (includes party admission)