LKTYP Presents World Premiere of Leslie Arden's THE PRINCESS & THE HANDMAIDEN, 11/15-12/30

A holiday treat awaits theatre-bound families as the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People presents the World Premiere of Leslie Arden's 'The Princess & the Handmaiden'. Directed by Allen MacInnis, the show will be presented on the Mainstage from November 15 to December 30, 2009.

Mean Girls meets The Brothers Grimm in this modern take on The Goose Girl fairy tale about a pampered princess and her hard-working handmaiden. As the two girls set off on a quest to save an ailing king in a far away land, the handmaiden plots to take the place of the princess. Once the two girls have switched positions in life, they find out how the other half lives and each discovers that the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side. Arden's clever story touches on themes of loyalty and friendship - with a magic potion, a handsome but rather silent prince, and a chorus of singing sheep thrown in for good measure!

'The Princess & the Handmaiden' features a cast of ten with Susan Henley (Maggie), George Masswohl (Captain), Larry Mannell (Bob), SharRon Matthews (Narrator), Tracey Michailidis (Handmaiden), Julain Molnar (Waiting Maid 2), Jonathan Tan (Conrad), Regan Thiel (Princess), Andrew Stelmack (Will) and Karen Wood (Waiting Maid 1).

The creative team includes Musical Director Diane Leah, Music Arranger Greg Diakun, Choreographer Jane Johanson, Set Designer David Boechler, Costume Designer Dana Osborne, Lighting Designer Bonnie Beecher and Sound Designer Michael Laird. The production is written and composed by Leslie Arden. By special arrangements with Ginger Cat Productions

Leslie Arden, arguably Canada's most talented musical theatre writer, is equally skilled as a composer, lyricist and librettist. Leslie has written some of Canada's most powerful and moving works of musical theatre, including the critically-acclaimed and multi award-winning 'The House of Martin Guerre' and the Chalmers Award-winning 'The Happy Prince.'

'The Princess & the Handmaiden', recommended for ages 5-16, will be staged on the Mainstage at the LKTYP Theatre, located at 165 Front Street East, Toronto. The show runs from November 15 to December 30th. Tickets range from $10-$20 and can be purchased by calling 416-862-2222 or online. For more information and performance schedules, please click here.

The Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People (formerly Young Peoples Theatre) is the largest Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) company in Canada and a significant institution in the Canadian professional theatre community. LKTYP is also home to a year-round Drama School for youth.