When Theatre Calgary opens a world premiere, there\u2019s always a kind of electricity in the air. But\u00a0The Tale of the Gifted Prince, running Feb. 14 to March 15, is extra special. The show over a decade in the making features a cross\u2011continental team of artists, and an all\u2011Asian cast rarely seen on a major Canadian stage.<\/p>\n
The new musical, created by Lezlie Wade and Daniel Green, adapts Lloyd Alexander\u2019s\u00a0The Remarkable Journey of Prince Ren, placing its young hero in a kingdom on the brink of rebellion. Prince Ren sets out on a journey armed with five humble gifts, each holding a power he doesn\u2019t yet understand. It\u2019s a story about discovery, courage, and the transformative magic of the ordinary.<\/p>\n
Artistic director Stafford Arima says developing new work is core to Theatre Calgary\u2019s identity, and is supported by subscribers. <\/p>\n
\u201cEvery time we commit to a world premiere, we are saying \u2018yes\u2019 to possibility, \u2018yes,\u2019 to risk, \u2018yes\u2019 to the patient process of helping an idea grow into something that can stand on its own in the world,\u201d he says. \u201cThis musical arrives on our stage as a world premiere, and with it comes all the electricity and promise that only a first production can offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
The production is also unique in who it features on stage. With an all\u2011Asian cast from across Canada and the U.S. Actors from Calgary, Toronto, New York, and beyond have assembled to fill out the roster.<\/p>\n
From the home front is familiar player Kelsey Verzotti who appeared in Legally Blonde last season at Theatre Calgary for which she won a Betty Mitchell Award. In The Tale of the Gifted Prince she plays Zhi Hao, the companion of Prince Ren.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving an all\u2011Asian cast is something that is so special to all of us\u2026 we\u2019re just bonding over food. One of our castmates was like \u2018It is so rare that I can bring a bowl of kimchi and not have to explain myself,\u2019\u201d she said with a laugh.<\/p>\n
For Arima, that representation is part of a much larger artistic vision. He says the company has spent eight years nurturing audiences toward embracing new titles, and those audiences have begun to understand the thrill of being \u201cthe very first\u201d to witness a new work come to life.<\/p>\n
The Tale of the Gifted Prince\u00a0has 16 cast members, a full pit orchestra, massive set pieces, projections, puppetry, and choreography.<\/p>\n
The spectacular elaborate set includes a revolve, and elevator, flying pieces, and remarkable puppetry has become a character of its own. Verzotti describes it as \u201ca beautiful playground.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Tale of the Gifted Prince runs until March 15 at the Max Bell Theatre.<\/p>\n