Borealis Bards, the inter-generational community theatre program of Backus Community Center, will produce The Little Prince as the second event of the Backus Performing Arts Series at the end of October.
The Little Prince is a drama by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar, based on the widely-read book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
It is the magical tale of a world-weary Aviator who becomes stranded in the Sahara Desert where he meets the Little Prince, a little man from another planet.
The Little Prince acts out for the Aviator his adventures with a Lamplighter, a Fox, and other beings he’s met in the galaxy, and shares the insights he’s learned with him from these encounters.
In the end, both leave understanding how to laugh, cry and love again.
The play is a sensory treat. Puppets, fabric sunsets and a miniature biplane are some of the props used.
The play is accompanied by heartfelt, lyrical music and sound effects. It appeals to both children and adults alike.
The two directors–Douglas Skrief and Doug Lowthian, each bring their own talents to the play.
Skrief is well-known in the Borderland for his acting expertise, actor development, and scenery design.
Lowthian excels in special effects and other technical aspects of play production.
Together, they bring out the best in the cast of actors, aged nine to 50, some of whom have never acted before.
This theatre arts production is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
The Little Prince is presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27.
Tickets are available at Backus and City Drug in the Falls, J&D Foods in Littlefork, Betty’s in Fort Frances and at the door.
Prices are $12 for adults and $5 for children ages six to 18, age five and under are free.
For more information, please contact Backus Community Center, 900 5th Street, International Falls, (218) 285-7255 or go online at www.backusab.org.
