Act Out Theatre Group will present “Once Upon a One More Time” from Feb. 20 through March 1. The show celebrates hits from the princess of pop, Britney Spears, along with some other famous princesses from fairy tales.
“It’s a show about female empowerment,” said Dan Pittman, director of the show and theater artistic director. “Cinderella begins to question her ever after, and if it will make her truly happy. With help from OFG, the Original Fairy Godmother, she learns what she must do to be the author of her own fairy tale.”
In true Act Out fashion, “Once Upon a One More Time” is double-cast, meaning many cast members play different roles in different shows. Pittman said this provides more learning opportunities for everyone.
Samantha Stella of Wilkes-Barre and Lily Keefe of Gouldsboro share the roles of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
“I have always wanted to play a princess, so I enjoy playing Cinderella,” Keefe said. “Not only is she a princess, but she (learns to be) independent, which is an important lesson for all the other young girls.”
Keefe and Stella are joined by 18 other performers in the production.
Cassie Wilson of Olyphant plays Snow White and Rapunzel, along with Lydia Hurst of Dunmore.
“I like being double cast because it gives you a chance to play different characters and have different parts in songs,” Wilson said. “This was my first show being double-cast, and I’ve enjoyed getting to be a part of different numbers that I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
Those familiar with Spears may find it difficult not to sing along to favorites like “Ooops, I Did It Again,” “Circus,” “Crazy,” and “One More Time,” the last of which changes to “Once Upon a One More Time.”
Other princesses or fairy tale heroines include Pea (from “The Princess and the Pea”), Esmerelda, Belle, Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, and Little Mermaid.
Raelinn Stefanski of Dunmore and Miguel Rodriguez of Moosic share the role of Betany, one of the evil stepsisters, and Little Mermaid. Little Mermaid is a unique role because she does not speak, having given her voice to the sea witch in exchange for legs.
Stefanski, who has appeared in multiple Act Out productions, said the role is unlike anything she has ever done.
You need to rely on your acting abilities to really show what you’re feeling on the inside,” Stefanski explained. “But it’s really fun because you get to interpret what you think is going through Little Mermaid’s mind and what she’s feeling, but all through your face and arms.”
Tickets can be purchased online at www.actouttheatre.com or at the door. Advance purchase is suggested. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens; tickets purchased at the door are $18 and $12, respectively. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Act Out Theatre Group is located at 802 S. Main Street, Suite 804D, Taylor, Pa.
Immediately following the closing of “Once Upon a One More Time,” Act Out Theatre will present “Between the Lines Jr.,” March 6 through 8. The musical is based on the novel by Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer. Tickets are available at www.actouttheatre.com.