A Children's Classic Performed with Comedy

On the second floor of Christ Church in Riverton, a group of plucky cast members and crew are concentrating on preparations for the opening night of the Edith Weiss production of Hyronomous A. Frog, the Frog Prince, being presented by Imagination Creation, a children’s theater company.

The story, related to the Brothers Grimm’s The Frog Prince, is a comedic twist on the tale of the frog, who magically transforms into a prince after being kissed by a spoiled princess.

The play, which opens June 10, is an interactive show which encourages children to participate and share in the play by speaking out and addressing the characters as the production is performed. The small ensemble of seven, led by Charles J. Gill, artistic director, aims to inspire, challenge and educate kids about the arts, while acting for an enchanting hour.

“These are amazing, dedicated people who are very professional in their craft,” said Gill, a resident of Moorestown. Gill has 30-plus years in acting, directing, producing and working with both adult and children in the performing arts.

Gill has worked with many of these actors before.

“The mix of their professionalism is a core of different people coming together for a creative outlet,” said Gill. “Some of the actors are devoted to being full-time actors.” But, other backgrounds include teachers, writers, designers and medical technicians.

Gill, 58, who has an education degree with a theater minor from Temple University, started Imagination Creation five years ago.

“My father worried I wouldn’t have a stable life if I was just a theater major,” Gill jokes. He has been teaching math and science for nearly 36 years in area schools, while always pursuing his love of the theater.

As he witnessed the slashes and cutbacks in art programs in schools and cities across the country, Gill saw a need to keep kids interested in theater.

“I became hooked on the theater in seventh grade when I was an extra during the summer in the play Carousel. I started this company so kids could share in some of that excitement that I had back then.”

The troupe, which began rehearsals three weeks ago, includes: Clark Sweeney, Cinnaminson; Debbi Nanni-Zacher, Moorestown; Sebastian DiNatale, Voorhees; Derek Miller, Edgewater Park; Dani Lencioni and Katherine Perry, both of Philadelphia; and Rachel Rudnick, Morrisville, PA.

Hyronomous A. Frog, the Frog Prince will performed at the Parish House of Christ Church, 4th and Howard streets, Riverton, 7 p.m. June 10; and 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. June 11. Tickets are $5 kids, $10 adults.