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Hansel and Gretel – Encore Stage & Studio

Posted on November 9, 2015 by alexis
Encore Stage & Studio
125 S Old Glebe Road
Arlington, Virginia 22204
www.encorestageva.org
 

We have attended several shows at Encore Stage & Studio and are always very entertained by their productions. My daughter was so excited she began asking a few days in advance if it was time to go see Hansel and Gretel. One reason she loves Encore’s shows is because the cast is made up of a group of passionate young performers ages 9-18. I read the classic fairy tale story to my daughter before attending the performance so she would understand the storyline:

Deep in a German forest awaits the Gingerbread Witch and her hobgoblin henchmen ready to transform children into tasty treats. Siblings Hansel, Gretel and friends go into the woods and find themselves in the path of the witch. To return home to their parents, this brother and sister duo will have to use their smarts to outwit the evil Witch.

The stage was transformed into a forest with a wonderful gingerbread house and an oven that actually emitted smoke. The costume designer did a great job with creating an ensemble of fairy tale characters that were all easily recognizable.

DSC_0156“Frick (Grace Gent) and the Gingerbread Witch (Jessica Layton) prepare gingerbread cookies. Photo by Larry McClemons”
DSC_0150“The Gingerbread Witch (Jessica Layton) welcomes the children to her gingerbread home. Photo by Larry McClemons”
 DSC_0088“Hansel and Gretel meet a family of trolls in the Black Forest.” (From left to right: Miranda Tonsetic, Nick Boone, Kelly McArdle)

After the shows, the cast gathers in the lobby to sign autographs and take pictures. My daughter always looks forward to this part and decides which character she wants to get her picture taken with before we even exit the auditorium! This time it was Hansel and Gretel’s mother played by Izabella Porter, Gretel played by Lynn Loftus, and the Gingerbread Witch played by Jessica Layton.

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Treat your kids to a showing of Hansel and Gretel! You’ll have a great time! There are four performances remaining:

Friday, November 13th 7:30pm
Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 11am and 3pm
Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 3pm

Good to Know:

•Ticket prices: $15 adults, $10 children, students, seniors, and military.
•The shows last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
•Concessions can be purchased and enjoyed in the lobby before the show and during intermission.
•There is free and ample parking at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, where all Encore productions are located.
•Encore offers a birthday party package.
•Encore also offers a variety of classes and camps.

 


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The Three Musketeers – Encore Stage & Studio

Posted on March 10, 2015 by alexis
Encore Stage & Studio
125 S. Old Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22204
www.encorestageva.org
 

If you haven’t taken your children to an Encore Stage & Studio production yet, you should add it to your entertainment must-do list! The Three Musketeers was the second Encore show my daughter Clara and I have had the pleasure of watching. What I love about Encore’s productions is that the actors are all children. It seems to really capture my daughter’s attention to watch other children perform on stage. In The Three Musketeers ensemble there were over 25 talented young actors.

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The story was fun and entertaining with a twist on the classic Alexandre Dumas adventure:  In 17th century France, a poor young nobleman named D’Artagnan leaves home to join the famous Musketeers of the Guard – defenders of the King and masters of the rapier! On his journey, D’Artagnan befriends three famous Musketeers: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. As the foursome roams the countryside, they encounter a dastardly plot to kidnap the King’s favorite dog…and realize they’ll need the help of three swashbuckling ladies to save the day.

From left to right, D'Artagnan (Christopher Wagner), Porthos (Colin Meek), Aramis (Brody Karton), Athos (Zach Longsworth). Photo by Larry McClemons  courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons

The script included plenty of humor that had both my daughter and I laughing throughout the show. The stage set and costumes were creative and well done. Some of our favorite parts of the show were the sword fighting scenes and the toy poodle, Piper! He definitely thrilled the audience!

 Encore Stage & Studio's production of The Three Musketeers is full of action, comedy and adventure for the entire family. Photo by Larry McClemons.
                                                                                 courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons

Clara was particularly fond of Milady de Winter so she was super excited to pose for a photo with her after the performance!

EncoreMilady

We are looking forward to attending Encore’s upcoming performances this summer: Alice in Wonderland, June 5-14 and Shrek, July 17-26.

Good to Know:

•Ticket prices: $12 adults ($15 for Shrek), $10 children, students, seniors, and military ($12 for Shrek).
•The shows last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
•Concessions can be purchased and enjoyed in the lobby before the show and during intermission.
•There is free and ample parking at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, where all Encore productions are located.
•Encore offers a birthday party package.
•Encore also offers a variety of classes and camps.


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