EVCT Presents Beauty and the Computer Geek

WHO: East Valley Children's Theatre

WHAT: Production of BEAUTY AND THE COMPUTER GEEK, by Susan C. Hunter and Tom Shelton, winner of EVCT's 2017 Aspiring Playwrights contest

WHERE: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Center St., Mesa

WHEN: February 15-25, 7pm Thursdays and Fridays, 4pm & 7pm Saturdays, 2pm Sundays

COST: $15 for adults, $11 for children age 17 and under, Call 480-644-6500 or go to www.evct.org

This world premiere original work is based on the classic tale of "Sleeping Beauty," but with a Prince Charming from the 21st century who is more computer nerd than dashing hero. Rooben, an oddball scientist, accidentally activates his latest invention -- a time machine. Charles, a socially awkward teenager, his younger sister Jinx, and Clyde, the family dog, are swept along with him to the kingdom of Dormir, a magical land of fairies and talking animals. An evil sorceress has placed a curse on Princess Crystalline to be fulfilled on her sixteenth birthday. The time travelers arrive on the very day the curse will come to pass, and it's up to Charles to save the princess and break the spell. Instead, his bungling ways backfire, putting the safety of the entire modern world at risk. 

Directed by Karen Rolston, the 36-member cast is made up of youth ages 8-18 from all over the Valley. The playwrights reside in Whittier, California, and will be in the Valley the week of Feb. 19 to lead a workshop for young, aspiring playwrights as part of EVCT's first annual Student Playwriting Festival. An evening featuring staged readings of student plays, awards and reception will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 6:00-9:00pm. Tickets for the festival can be purchased at the door for $10. For more information, call 480-756-3828.

Photo:

Suzy Olson of Mesa as Crystalline

Patricia Dawson of Mesa as Jinx

Harrison Graham of Mesa as Charles

Connor Besemer of Gilbert as Rooben

Photo Credits: Penrod Photography