The Twilight Theatre Company will present its third annual production of “A Princess Tea Party” at the Historic Train Depot in Fayetteville on August 13 and 14. This show is perfect for mothers, daughters, grandmothers and granddaughters. “A Princess Tea Party” brings together favorite fairytale princesses, who share stories and songs about living, loving, and dreaming big.
This sparkling show began as a simple idea of Peachtree City resident, Sarah Stitt. Sarah, a veteran Twilight performer, suggested the idea to the mother/daughter team, and company founders of Twilight, Jeanne and Allison Chambers. The Chambers encouraged Sarah to pursue the idea and gave her permission to proceed. Stitt began writing “A Princess Tea Party” while attending Starr’s Mill High School.
The Princesses debuted the show in August of 2009. It was hoped that the show could raise money for a much needed curtain for the larger summer production of the musical “Oliver!” A cast of 10 young princesses were selected and began rehearsing. Princess ball gowns were altered from existing costumes, donated dresses, and thrift store finds. On August 8 the first performance of “A Princess Tea Party” was staged and “There was magic!” said Stitt. The response to that first show was so overwhelmingly positive, the ladies of Twilight decided to make it an annual performance. Proceeds from that show were used to purchase the much needed curtain for the “Oliver!” production, and succeeding shows.
Last year the cast was expanded, the costumes were improved and attendance increased.
“I couldn’t believe what a scramble we had for tickets the week before the show. We sold out the 11 a.m. show and were turning people away at the door asking them to come back for one of the later performances,” Stitt said. Audience turnout was not only large, but also colorful. Many attendees arrived dressed in their tea party best or princess costumes (adults included!).
The Princess performers are a talented group of local young women; each selected to bring to life one of the princesses through appearance and voice. Two of the princesses have been a part of the cast since the very first performance. Peachtree City resident, Celia Sullivan played the Little Mermaid in the first show and as Snow White the last two years. Mallory Hu, also from Peachtree City, returns for her third summer as Pocahontas. This year’s cast has three brand new princess performers; Amanda Lindsey, Kelly Blackmon and Julia Stitt, all three are veteran performers of The Twilight Theater Company.
“This show is truly an ensemble piece”, says Stitt. “Each princess is a star during her moment on stage, as she shares her unique story and song. Together they weave a powerful message that’s not just about finding Prince Charming, but also about following your heart and working for your dreams. The power of love is amazing, but the real message of the show is about the power of women; women of every shape, color, and age. That message is what makes this such a great show for mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and granddaughters to experience together.”
Reservations for “The Princess Tea Party” are suggested and can be made by contacting Sarah Stitt at www.princessteaparty@twilighttheatre.com. Tickets are $10 each for children, students, seniors and military, $12 for adults. Show times are 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, and 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 14.
