RAPA Family Theatre, a professional troupe of adult actors, will kick off 2018 by presenting “The Gingerbread Man.” The production will run February 3 through 11 at the Kodak Center Studio Theatre.
Sally is very unhappy about staying on her aunt and uncle’s farm while her parents are on vacation. To cheer her up, Sally’s aunt makes a gingerbread cookie, which promptly leaps out of the oven and takes her on a merry adventure to see travelling players perform in a nearby town. Along the way, the duo encounter a karate-kicking donkey, a fashionable skunk, and a sly fox who tries to put the bite on the Gingerbread Man.
In addition to silly characters, funny puns and slapstick comedy, there’s a valuable lesson to be learned about finding one’s place in the world.
Hunter Ekberg leads the cast in the title role under the direction of Adele Fico. Ekberg, a familiar RAPA actor, was recently seen in “A Year with Frog and Toad,” “Rumpelstiltskin,” and “Charlotte’s Web.” By his side is Katherine Mary Chalone as Sally. Chalone has been seen in “Hansel and Gretel,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “Mary Poppins” and many other RAPA shows. Rounding out the cast are Billy DeMetsenaere, Tricia Yoder, Rebecca Chalone, and Austin Scott.
All performances are approximately one hour in length plus a short intermission. As always, children can “Meet the Characters” after each performance, with photo opportunities, autographs, and special moments.
“The Gingerbread Man” is the second of three productions in the 2017-2018 RAPA Family Theatre Season. In October, families caught the musical production of “A Year with Frog and Toad.” In April, audiences can set sail for adventure with the final show of the season: “Treasure Island.”
This year, RAPA Family Theatre has developed a Sensory Friendly Performance program specifically geared towards audience members with autism and special needs. “The Gingerbread Man’s” sensory friendly performance is on Sunday, February 4 at 4:30 p.m. Details on this program can be found online at RapaTheatre.org/sensory-friendly-programming
Additionally, this season RAPA Family Theatre will be hosting Character Lunches between all Saturday performances. The whole family can have lunch with the characters held in the Kodak Center Dining Room. Menu includes Chicken Fingers, Pizza, Punch, Gingerbread Cookies and other delicious treats. Adults $10/each; Children $5/each (Character Lunch Ticket does not include theatre performance). Details on this program can be found online at RapaTheatre.org/extra-experiences.
Tickets to “The Gingerbread Man” are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors/students, and $10 for children. Reserved-seating tickets can be purchased at www.RapaTheatre.org or by calling 254-0073.
All performances: Saturday, February 3 – 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, February 4 – 2 and 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, February 8 – 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.; Friday, February 9 – 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.; Saturday, February 10 – 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, February 11- 2 p.m.
