The Twilight Theatre Company will present its fourth annual production of “A Princess Tea Party” at the Historic Train Depot in Fayetteville on August 10 and 11. 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. Stitt, a veteran Twilight performer, suggested the idea to the mother/daughter team, and company founders of Twilight; Jeanne and Allison Chambers. The Chambers encouraged her 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, 2009 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 future shows.
In the last three years the cast has been expanded, the costumes have been improved and attendance has increased. This year the show is being directed by a new director, Nora Wilfong, a senior at McIntosh High School. Wilfong has assisted Stitt the last two years. Since she will be relocating to North Carolina to attend Wake Forest School of Divinity this fall, Stitt has passed the baton, or magic wand, to the experienced hands of Wilfong.
“I’m delighted to put the show in Nora’s capable hands and I know she will bring her own special touch to it. Hard as it is to do, passing the show on means that it will be able to return each summer, even after I’ve moved. It has truly meant a lot to me to be able to bring this event to the area each summer and I’m glad to know it will continue as an annual event.” said Stitt.
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. One of the princesses has been a part of the cast since the very first performance; Mallory Hu of Peachtree City is returning for her fourth summer as Pocahontas. This year’s cast has three brand new princess performers, including Kelly McCarty as Anastasia, Camille Edwards as Aurora, and Mary Kuhn as Fiona.
“This show is truly an ensemble piece,” said 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 strongly suggested and can be made by emailing lori@thetwilighttheatre.com. Tickets are $10 each. Show times are Friday, August 10 and Saturday August 11, at 11 a.m.., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on both days. Many attendees arrive dressed in their tea party best or princess costumes. Opportunities to take photos with the princesses will be available after each performance.
