Whidbey Children's Theater to Present SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, Opening 6/29

The classic Brothers' Grimm fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs gets a musical production at the Award-winning Whidbey Children's Theater for nine performances over three weekends beginning Friday, June 29 at 7:30PM.

"I have always loved this fairy tale," says WCT Artistic Director Rose Woods, who is also directing this production. "As a little girl, I loved the idea that Snow White escapes the evil queen-with the help of a kind huntsman-and makes her way into the world, rather than being rescued. I adore the dwarfs. It meant something to me that she took care of them, making their lives better, and in the process grew up in many ways herself."

This retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is derived from a Broadway play that debuted at the Little Theatre on West 44th Street, New York City, on October 31, 1912. It was presented by legendary producer Winthrop Ames, who had written it under the pseudonym "Jessie Braham White." The work was billed as the "first play written entirely for the enjoyment of children."

The cast is comprised of 24 talented local youth ages 8 to 14, supported behind the scenes by an experienced production team of youth and adult crew.

"This script is a delight," Woods says. "It's laugh-out-loud funny, and somehow old-fashioned at the same time. These young actors bring life and a real sense of magic to their characters. They are charming, campy, and hilarious-and absolutely into it."

Although Walt Disney often gets the credit for giving the princess's seven little benefactors, it was actually this adaptation that gave first names to Snow White's companions: Blick, Flick, Glick, Snick, Plick, Whick and Quee.

The production team includes Ken Martinez (Assistant Director), Valeria Huntington (Stage Manager), Matt Bell (Music Director), Rod Stewart (Scenic and Lighting Director), Max Casee (Lighting Operator), Ana Clark (Technical Assistant), Cameron Gray (Scenic Designer), and Ahna Dunn-Wilder (Costume Designer).

"I believe in the importance of fairy tales for children of all ages," Woods adds. "There is a kind of alchemy that occurs when a child's imagination is sparked. There is the obvious symbolism and metaphor, of course, but what I think the kids really get most is the story of good vs. evil while having an inordinate amount of fun. It's been a magical experience watching these incredible kids come to life with these characters. "