A Little Princess

Based on the popular children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, A Little Princess is a fun family musical you don't want to miss. Set in war torn London, young Sara Crewe is enrolled in Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies when her devoted father, played by Paul Stickney of Hollis, goes off to fight in World War II. She befriends Becky, a servant girl at the school, played by Elyse Doyle of Gray. Things go smoothly until word comes that Sara's father has been declared "missing". Miss Minchin and her greedy lawyer Barrow, conspire to steal Sara's inheritance. They tell her that her father is dead, and poor Sara is forced into a life of servitude, living with Becky in the dilapidated attic of the school. Miss Minchin is played with enthusiastic nastiness by Deborah O'Connor of Saco. Her lawyer sidekick is Bob Mosey of Hollis. This family show also provides a romantic storyline involving Miss Minchin's sister Amelia, played by Beth Gaudet of Casco, and Pierre, a French teacher, played by John Marshall of Gorham. Through it all, Sara holds onto her father's belief that all girls are princesses, no matter how bad things may seem. That hope and her father's love sustain her through her trials until the story's surprising conclusion.

Come to the Schoolhouse Arts Center to enjoy this charming production written by Michael Hjort with music by Camille N. Curtis, both local artists living in southern Maine. Lyrics are by Michael Hjort and Camille N. Curtis. Directed by Michael Hjort with music direction provided by Steve Boutet, this is Mr. Hjort's second time as director at the Schoolhouse. He directed last year's popular production of Miracle on 34th Street. Schoolhouse Arts Center is once again pleased to be offering local artists an opportunity to produce their original works. The show includes a cast and crew of over 40 from Standish and the surrounding communities.

Performances are at the Schoolhouse Arts Center, Rte. 114 in Sebago Lake Village, May 2-18, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.& Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Prices are $10 students/seniors, $14 adults. Tickets are available by calling 642-5938 or order online.

More information about "Princess Musicals" is available here.

The girls at Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies, in the upcoming production of A Little Princess, at Schoolhouse Arts Center in Sebago Lake.