The Fairy Tale Players Bring Live Theatre to Young Audiences

Taking in a live theatre performance is a special treat that the newly formed theatre company, The Fairy Tale Players, is now bringing directly to our youngest audiences right here in North Andover.

While in the past theatre may have been reserved for older audiences, The Fairy Tale Players have designed their shows to suit the interests of children ages as young as one and up.

The group was founded by Kelly Walsh and Mary Rees Gould who together have experience in theatre production and performance. They also both have young children and saw the void in shows geared toward the developing mind.

“We realized that there was nothing on the Northshore that gave children and families the opportunity to see theatre in a live format with live music where it wasn’t going to bust the budget,” said Rees Gould. “It [Fairy Tale Players] makes the theatre very available with eight different dates.”

Rees Gould and Walsh combined their mutual passion and understanding of the younger market to create The Fairy Tale Players. This non-profit company offers not only entertaining renditions of some of our favorite classic fairytales such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk, but they also incorporate an educational and interactive component into each show which allows young audience members to stay engaged, participate and ask those burning questions that just can’t seem to wait until the end of the show.

Each play is performed by a team of talented actors, many of whom have been previously involved in community theatre and improvisational acts.  They collectively share the desire to inspire a passion for theatre in young children and their families which comes through in their lively performances. In addition to great acting and story telling, you will also enjoy the full theatre experience with quality costumes, props, colorful sets and delightful music.

A narrator guides the audience through each theatrical journey and helps keep each show moving and on track.

“We always try to think through the eyes of a child,” said Walsh. “What would they understand?"

Breaks are taken throughout each story at sensible times to allow for a sing-along, a creative movement exercise or a live piano performance. Each new element is woven into the story and explained to the audience to allow for the greatest level of understanding and enjoyment throughout the show.

Shows are performed in the Parish Hall at 396 Main St., North Andover and tickets are $8 per child. Adults are free. The performance schedule for the season is as follows:

November 19

December 3

December 10

January 14

January 28

February 11

March 3

March 24

Cinderella

The Ugly Duckling

The Gingerbread Man

Rapunzel

Little Red Riding Hood

The Princess and the Pea

Jack and the Beanstalk

Peter Rabbit

To learn more about The Fairy Tale Players visit www.fairytaleplayers.org or check out their Facebook page. Email info@fairytaleplayers.org to reserve tickets in advance.