A play for children and families by Kate Freiligrath-Kroeker July 5-22 2011 July 5, 2011

The Airmid Theatre Company Opens its 2011 FREE SUMMER THEATRE FESTIVAL with JACK AND THE PRINCESS WHO NEVER LAUGHED by Kate Freiligrath-Kroeker. The company returns to the Nissequogue River State Park (formerly the Kings Park Psychiatric Center) at 799 Saint Johnland Road in Kings Park for its third season.

Running time is approximately 55 minutes with audience participation; for ages 5 and up. 14 Performances will be presented and can be seen Mondays – Fridays at 1:00 pm, opening Tuesday, July 5 – July 22, 2011. (New York State Parks Parking fees apply prior to 4 pm) The play is staged outdoors on the green to the right just beyond the NRSP gate house entrance. Parking is in the small gravel lot next to the performance area.

The first production in Airmid’s annual two play festival is once again geared specifically to children and families. In her first outing as director for Airmid ELLEN DISTASI, who played “Mrs. Rimplegar” in last summer’s festival, brings to life JACK AND THE PRINCESS WHO NEVER LAUGHED by Kate Freiligrath-Kroeker. Lincoln Center Institute trained, Distasi provides a new energy to our team that now includes Hofstra graduate, set designer JENNA LYONS, Costumes by Emily DeAngelis and new music composed by Kathy Ulrich. The play and the festival are produced by Tricia McDermott.

In the play based on a familiar Russian fairy tale, Freiligrath-Kroeker takes cues from more traditional versions of the story of Jack and his hilarious escapades as he leaves home to seek his fortune. While exploring some of the big questions in life, the production’s interactive nature and the play’s humorous view of the world, we encounter talking swans, sad princesses, and a host of locals all colliding in a hilarious story where we learn the world is not always as it seems.

PERFORMANCE LOCATION and PARKING
Jack and the Princess Who Never Laughed will be performed on the NORTH SIDE of the Nissequogue River State Park grounds. This year the shows will be performed just beyond the park entrance’s gate house off St. Johnland Road in the shaded glen on the east side of the road across from York Hall. Parking is in the gravel lot at the right hand side of the road below the maintenance buildings.
Audiences should provide their own seating and are encouraged to bring picnic lunches. Groups are welcome. Parking Fees will be required prior to 4pm. To inquire advanced parking permits for large vehicles please contact the New York State Parks Department Long Island Parks Regional Office at 631-669-1000 (625 Belmont Ave, West Babylon, NY11704)