FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNIVERSITY THEATRE PRESENTATION 'THE FROG PRINCESS' OPENS ON APRIL 5

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., March 22, 2002 - The Southeast Missouri State University Theatre will present "The Frog Princess," a children's theatre presentation, on April 5-6.

"The Frog Princess," is a fairy tale adapted from Russian folklore and tells the story of a frog princess doomed to live in a marshland until she gains the love of a true prince. The Princess faces the evil witch Baba Yaga, played by Janel Mason of Scott City, Mo., and her enslaved cat, Bootskinsky, played by Regina Hagen, also of Scott City, Mo. True love triumphs when the frog princess meets her charming Prince Dmitri, played by Frank Zito of St. Louis, and is transformed into the beautiful Princess Irina, played by Elizabeth Goodman of Ironton, Mo. After a beautiful wedding, everyone lives happily ever after.

The 13-member cast consists of Southeast students and includes a three-person clown troupe - Polly, Penny and Peter Patches, who help to bridge the gap between the children and the performance by interacting and playing with the children. The animated characters in the performance and the playful clowns will delight children of all ages.

Dr. Dennis Seyer, associate professor of speech communication and theatre, will direct the production. Performances will be held in the Forrest H. Rose Theatre on the campus of Southeast on April 5 at 7 p.m. and on April 6 at 10 a.m.

For ticket prices and availability, call the Rose Theatre Box office at (573) 651-2265.