FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“THE FROG PRINCESS” TO BE PERFORMED AT THE FORREST H. ROSE THEATRE

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., March 1, 2002 – Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Theatre and Dance will present the classic fairy tale “The Frog Princess” on Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. in the Forrest H. Rose Theatre.

“The Frog Princess,” adapted from Russian folklore by Don Garner, continues University Theatre's tradition of biennial children's shows. Garner has adapted several previous children's theatre productions for the University's Department of Theatre and Dance, including “Puss In Boots” (2000), “The Emperor's New Clothes” (1998), “Rumpelstiltskin” (1996), “Cinderella” (1992), “Hansel and Gretel” (1990), and “Jack and the Beanstalk” (1988).

As always, this year's show for children promises to be performed to sellout crowds.

“The Frog Princess” tells the story of a young princess doomed to live in a marshland until she gains the love of a true prince. Boris Bootskinsky, the popular cat of “Puss In Boots” fame, is back as the enslaved servant of the evil witch Baba Yaga from the land of Isbushka. True love triumphs in the end when the frog princess meets the charming Prince Dmitri and is transformed into the beautiful Princess Irina.

Dennis C. Seyer, professor of theatre and dance and director of the three previous children's productions, will undertake directing duties once again. C. Kenneth Cole, associate professor of theatre and dance, will serve as the technical director and lighting designer. Rhonda Weller-Stilson, assistant professor of theatre and dance, will design the costumes and make-up.

Cast members include Southeast Missouri State students Mike Culbertson of St. Peters, Mo.; Autumn Dunivan of Ironton, Mo.; Meagan Edmonds of Jackson, Mo.; Elizabeth Goodman of Ironton, Mo.; Daniel J. Graul of Barrington, Ill.; Regina Hagen of Scott City, Mo.; Gelanie Lockhart of Cape Girardeau; Anna-Marie Martin or Ironton, Mo.; Janel Mason of Scott City, Mo.; Crystal Meaux of Imperial, Mo.; Tim Nicolai of Jackson, Mo.; and Frank Zito of St. Louis. Assistant director will be Meagan Edmonds of Jackson, Mo., with sound design by Mike Schwent of St. Louis.

Tickets are on sale now and are $3 for children of all ages. Tickets may be reserved in person at the Performing Arts Box Office or by calling (573) 651-2265. All tickets are reserved and the public is encouraged to reserve tickets early.