A musical comedy for very young audiences

The final production of the StoryBook Theater season will be “Rumplestiltskin” coming to Kirkland Performance Center April 22-30.

When a maiden is locked in a tower and told to spin straw into gold, she is helped by a strange little man. But there are (golden) strings attached. Sometimes it is better not to rely on the kindness of strangers!

Filled with delightful songs and crazy shenanigans, “Rumplestiltskin” is designed to engage and enchant very young audiences, ages 3 through 9, and to entertain the entire family.

Over the past seven years, StoryBook Theater has entertained family audiences around the greater Seattle area with their delightful productions, which are specifically created for the youngest members of the audience. The interactive performances are 55 minutes long and performed without intermission. They feature adult professional actors, accompanied by an onstage musician. After the show, the actors remain on stage and answer questions from the children in the audience.

StoryBook performances are great fun for the kids. The shows also give young kids the opportunity to learn appropriate theatre behavior in a situation where they don’t have to be still and quiet for the whole show. There are plenty of opportunities for them to react and respond, and the actors know what to expect and how to keep the show on track.

Another feature: The adults don’t have to sit through a boring kid’s show; the fractured fairytale style of the productions include elements that will keep the adults in the audience laughing right along with the kids. “Rumplestiltskin” will be a great way to introduce your child (or grandchild) to the magic and fun of live theater.

Rumplestiltskin will be at Kirkland Performance Center from April 22-30, with Saturday performances at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; and Sunday shows at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The theater is located at 350 Kirkland Avenue, in downtown Kirkland.

All tickets cost $7.50 (plus the KPC box office fee) and can be ordered at (425) 893-9900. Tickets will also be available at the door, subject to availability.

More information about StoryBook and Studio East is available on the web at www.studio-east.org.