Theatreworks enlivens “The Little Prince” with local actors and puppetry

Beginning Friday, November 24, Theatreworks Colorado Springs celebrates magic this holiday season with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved story, “The Little Prince.” Beloved by generations of readers for its poignant reflections on friendship, “The Little Prince” follows an aviator who crash-lands in the Sahara Desert (inspired by the author’s own life) who then meets a little prince from a distant world. The pair adventure together through distant planets, meet a unique cast of characters, and learn what it is to love.

The story comes to the stage through a combination of sensational local actors and beautifully crafted puppets, just in time to enchant the whole family this holiday season. Performances will be offered every week through Sunday, December 17.

Theatreworks’ production features an entirely Colorado Springs based cast: Prentiss Benjamin (“The HalfLife of Marie Curie,” “Wild Honey”), Colton Pratt (“Taming of the Shrew,” “Around the World in 80 Days”), Kaley Corinaldi (“Little Women,” “Lumberjacks in Love”) and Sean Sharif (“Measure for Measure,” “Free-for-All: Comedy of Errors”) along with puppeteer Ellie Myers (“Winter Wonders”).

Longtime Theatreworks collaborator Katy Williams Design lends her puppetry expertise to the production, bringing characters like the Rose, the Fox, and a universe of kooky men to the stage in whimsical and inventive style.

Theatreworks Artistic Director Caitlin Lowans helms the production.

“I first read Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novella as a young person with my family,” said Lowans. “Only later in life did I understand the delicate lessons it offers about friendship, self-reliance and care. The depth is no surprise, given the experiences of the author as a pilot during World War II. Fans of the books who love its poignant watercolor illustrations will delight in how we’ve brought them to life through puppetry, costumes and shadow play. This production uplifts the power of the human imagination, agreeing with the Little Prince himself that ‘the most beautiful things in life are not seen, but must be felt with the heart.’”

The creative team includes Scott Penner (costume and scenic design), Jennifer Fok (lighting design), Mark Arnest (composition and sound design), Katy Williams (puppet/props design), Amanda Gladu (associate costumes and scenic design) Garth Moritz (stage manager), and Skylar Campbell (assistant stage manager).

Tickets to The Little Prince can be purchased online at entcenterforthearts.org or by phone at 719-255-8181. Performances begin Friday, November 24 and continue through Sunday, December 17. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday with a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee, and a 4 p.m. Sunday matinee. UCCS students are always free, and discounts are available for educators, military and youth tickets.

Associated Events

Join us before Thursday performances at 6:45 p.m. for Director, Designer, and Scholar Chats
about the show.

Stay after Saturday matinees for Puppet Meet and Greets.

Hear from the Actors during talkbacks after performances on Sunday, December 3 and Sunday, December 10.

Are you an educator with interest in bringing classes to the performance? Reach out to the box office for information about our Morning Matinee performances, with discounted rates for student groups.

About Theatreworks Colorado Springs

Theatreworks Colorado Springs connects, empowers, and delights our communities through diverse performances and educational experiences that are mirrors for ourselves and windows into others. We create in service to our audiences, our staff and artists, the UCCS students and community, and the people of Southern Colorado to envision a better world.  

Founded in 1975 by artistic director Murray Ross, costume designer Betty Ross, and an ensemble of passionate artists, today the program is led by artistic director, Caitlin Lowans, who was appointed in 2018 – the same year the Ent Center of the Arts opened its doors to the community. Caitlin brings a passion for education and for community-engaged work, celebrating the diversity of human experience. Learn more at entcenterforthearts.org/theatreworks.

About the Ent Center for the Arts

This first-class arts facility, located on the University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus serves the community as a hub for the arts and an inspiration in academics. The vision for the facility was and is to foster a creative environment to house arts that will serve the Pikes Peak region, allowing artists to inspire and amplify one another rather than compete against one another. Art brings together diverse peoples and ideas in ways no other discipline can, and the Ent Center will be a pillar of the arts community within Colorado Springs. Learn more at entcenterforthearts.org.