Angie Price, Rapunzel, and Christopher Hagans, Prince Brian, are part of the cast in Columbia Children’s Theatre’s

Entertainment designed with the family in mind has arrived in the Midlands. The Columbia Children’s Theatre (CCT) has something “For the kid in everyone”. The company’s preview production for the inaugural 2005–06 season, Rapunzel! , is a sampling of entertainment that will engage the entire family with zany slapstick for the kids and just enough sarcasm and clever derision to keep the grown–ups howling.

A tongue–in–cheek adaptation of the classic tale, Rapunzel! was written by the creators of the hit TV show, Friends and highlights the acting talent available in the area.

CCT is the Midlands’ first resident professional theatre for families and young audiences. It is the brainchild of a group of actors and area supporters of the arts closely modeled after Chicago’s Emerald City Children’s Theatre and the Seattle Children’s Theatre.

Jerry Stevenson, CCT’s artistic director, said the group realized the area’s need for professional live theatre for young audiences and came together to create a feasible plan to make their vision become a reality. CCT’s goal is “to provide programming to enrich the lives of audiences with the wonders and magic of live theatre, which speaks across cultural, ethnic, and generational boundaries and gives audiences memories that will last long after the curtain falls.”

Stevenson’s experience as a performer, writer, and producer makes him an appropriate leader for the company of professional directors, actors, writers, and designers focused on delivering a theatre experience for the entire family.

In addition to providing quality entertainment, CCT wants to encourage children to appreciate and participate in live performances. The company has created a program for young aspiring actors called Kidstage, which it hopes will eventually evolve into a performing arts school with a children’s theatre in residence.

CCT also wants to provide performance opportunities for local actors. Rehearsal schedules have been designed to maximize performers’ opportunities to do other shows and not interfere with work schedules. CCT will schedule four performances per season.

Rapunzel! successfully opened Friday, June 17. Additional performances will be held at 7 pm Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25, with a 2 pm matinee on Saturday as well. All performances are at the Sarah Nance Cultural Arts Center, 2611 Grant Street (just off Beltline between Farrow and Two Notch roads.) Tickets are $5 general admission and will be available at the door.

The cast includes recent Coker College graduate Angie Price as Rapunzel; Erica Wood, fresh from a stint withSacramento Children's Theatre in California as the Witch; and Columbia favorite Scott Vaughan, just finishing a run of A Chorus Line at Workshop Theatre and his national tour of A Christmas Carol , as Simon the Valet. The cast also includes one student apprentice, Eau Claire High School Junior and state track and field champion Christopher Hagans as Prince Brian.

CCT was incorporated as a non–profit in May 2005 and is an affiliated member of the Sarah Nance Cultural Arts Center. It is sponsored in part by The City of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation and the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County.

For more information, contact Columbia Children's Theatre at (803) 691-4548, or visit www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com.

Rapunzel!