UWG
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Contact: University Communications & Marketing
Phone (678) 839-6464, FAX (678) 839-6645
ucm@westga.edu
Not So Scary Fairy Tales
October 22, 2004
CARROLLTON, GA - Imagine strolling through an anthology of children’s fairy tales, a puzzling maze of fantasy and theatre that creates a haunted house experience for children.
The
University of West Georgia’s Townsend Center for the Performing
Arts will present “The Not So Scary Fairy Tales,” running
Thursday, Oct. 28 through Saturday, Oct. 30. Tours begin each night at
7:30 p.m. and will continue until all the children have gone home for
bedtime. Tickets are $1 for children and $3 for the adults in their family.
For three nights only this fall, the Townsend Center presents a children’s production like no other. Enter a magical land where fairy tales live once more. Where characters lurk and giggle around every corner. Enter the world of Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstilskin, Baba Yaga, and Rapunzel. Cross the mountain bridge in The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Gaze into the mirror that told of “the fairest one of all.” And watch out for the Giant, lurking about the beanstalk.
The idea, according to Robert Jennings, the director of the Townsend Center, is to create an atmosphere that is suitable for young children.
“Most haunted houses or similar events are set up for teenagers and are far too intense for young children,” Jennings said. “Parents often have to rush their children out or just skip them altogether. So our staff decided to create a fantasy land of fairy tales developed specifically for children. Our goal is to provide access to the performing arts here at UWG to even our youngest little patrons.
“With this in mind, we sought a director with experience in producing children’s and teen theatre. Everyone we asked pointed us to the same person, Jenny Lyle. She is just over-flowing with wonderful ideas that children will love and she has a wonderful rapport with the cast. Jenny has been a driving force behind the production,” said Jennings.
David Manuel, technical director at the Townsend Center, is the designer and lead builder for the fairy tale maze that patrons will be guided through.
“It is fun designing a ‘Not So’ haunted house for children, one that entertains and educates while it scares just a little. Most of the fairy tales are familiar ones, but we do have a few surprises. We have worked hard to make the event accessible, both physically and visually, for all ages,” said Manuel, who added that the maze is carefully designed to accommodate all children, including those who need assistance or may be in a wheelchair.
Many local children and high school students auditioned and will be in the cast of characters. Georgia Cottrell and Chelsea Jones will take turns as Maursia. Greer Lyle will play Hedgehog. Kelsey Manuel and Lara Cottrell will play Jack and Ariel Jones will play the farmer’s daughter who became queen in Rumplestilskin.
High School students include Morgan Kirby as Rapunzel, Rebecca Hazelkorn as Sleeping Beauty, Christopher Lewis as the voice of the Dragon, and Zach Funk as Pinocchio.
To highlight the event for children, there is a kickoff event for each night of the Fairy Tales. On Thursday night, there will be an Art Contest for children in grades PreK through eight. Guidelines for the Art Contest are available from the Townsend Center by calling 770-836-6694.
On Friday night, the first 30 children to enter the Fairy Tales will receive a prize. And for Saturday night, there will be a costume contest in the lobby. All three events begin at 7 p.m. and will conclude before the doors open for tours.
Designed for children and their families, “The Not So Scary Fairy Tales” combines aspects of live theatre with a twisting and turning maze that is sure to delight one and all.
If special assistance is needed, please contact Renét Jones, general manager of the Townsend Center for the Arts, at 770-836-6694. Box-office hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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