Oscar Wilde’s children’s classic comes to Horizon Stage
Scottish theatre troupe will perform The Happy Prince on Jan. 21

One storyteller flies in on a scooter, another appears on top of a fountain clad in a cape made of candy-bar wrappers. Together they will scour an enchanted park, searching for clues to the story of a once-happy, but now tearful, princely statue. Two actors, puppets, and a host of colourful props and costumes portray a whole town-full of people in Oscar Wilde’s classic children’s fable The Happy Prince at Horizon Stage on Saturday, January 21.

The third in Horizon Stage’s 2005/2006 Family Matinee Series, The Happy Prince is a story about loyalty, friendship, charity and kindness in a harsh world. Written by Wilde in 1888, it is still relevant and timely in today’s society as the sad statue and a little sparrow work together to distribute jewels and gold to the Prince’s needy subjects.

Performed by Macrobert Productions, who are based out of the University of Stirling in Scotland, The Happy Prince brings an international flavour to the Stage this season. Touring the United States and Canada since January 2004, the company originally staged this play at their own theatre space in 1999. Macrobert’s mandate includes an emphasis on creating high quality theatre and art for young people. The Happy Prince is aimed at 4 - 9 year olds, but is sure to enchant both the young and young at heart.

So, get ready to soar with your children and the little sparrow, high above a city where sheer imagination weaves a touching and delightful tale. See The Happy Prince Up Close and Personal in Spruce Grove at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 21. Free pre-show activities for kids start in the theatre lobby at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are just $8.00 for all ages. Call the Horizon Stage Box Office at 962-8995 for more information or to purchase your tickets today!

“This classic tale is retold with beauty and insight, containing powerful morals…
under fives will enjoy the songs, humour and enthusiastic performances.”
Kim Bradie, EdinburghGuide.com

“It’s a lovely little show”
Anita Gates, The New York Times

“The children were spell bound.”
Head Teacher, St. Fillans Primary, Perthshire

"The show was very good and the actors had great imaginations,
the scenery was great and the gold was magic."
Stuart, aged 10


Be sure to visit http://www.horizonstage.com/ & http://www.macrobert.stir.ac.uk/

Special Thanks to the sponsors for this event: The Alberta Foundation For The Arts, Canadian Heritage, Home Town Living & Grove Pontiac