Musicals at Richter’s Fairy Tale Theater for Young People Continues Through August 2

Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR) continues its 24th season of Fairy Tale Theater, a play series by and for young people, through August 2 on the grounds of Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury.

The remaining shows include: “Hansel and Gretel” and “The Tencas and the Snowbank” (July 19); “The Clever Girl” and “The Sages of Chelm and the Journey to the Moon” (July 26); and “The Wizard of Oz” (August 2).

Robert Mayette of Ridgefield adapts and directs these classic tales, performed by an ensemble of young area actors. The hour-long, interactive performances include plenty of audience participation, a show-related craft activity, birthday recognitions and a visit with narrator and troubadour Alan-a-Dale, played by Mayette.

Director Mayette explains: "This season, we're bringing new life to classic stories such as ‘Cinderella,’ ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and ‘The Little Match Girl.’ Alongside them are less well-known but powerful tales from Chile (‘The Tencas and the Snowbank’), Eastern European Hebrew folklore (‘The Sages of Chelm’), and Arabia (‘The Clever Girl’). Every story we re-enact has engaging lessons and interactive moments for children (and a dash or two of humor for the adults). All plays were written exclusively for this season and are world premieres. I hope everyone gets their summer Saturdays started off right and comes to join us!"

The 2025 Fairy Tale Theater company of young actors includes Jacquelynn Matchen and Rachelle Matchen (Bethel); Liberty Cummings, Kalel Cummings-DaSilva, Lilly Dos Santos, Lucy Morelli, Jerry Norton, Ryann Palmer, Brisa Pierce, and Vica Pierce (Danbury); Lucy Palinkas (New Fairfield); Liam Fox (Newtown); Braedan Athans (Oxford); Charlotte Chambers, Katherine Hadermayer, Charlotte Mayette, Emily Mayette and Sloane Schmiedel (Ridgefield).

Grounds open at 10:30 a.m. for the craft activity, with the show at 11 a.m. Bring blankets or chairs for seating on the lawn, along with sunscreen; the performance will move indoors in the case of inclement weather.

Tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at the door. A small snack and drink concession is available. For further information, visit the website at musicalsatrichter.org, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.