New 'Rapunzel: Here and Now' at Media Theatre Saturdays

A new musical version of an old tale is having its premiere at this October.

Rapunzel: Here and Now, which focuses on a teen in 2011 who moves from Pennsylvania to California, plays Saturday mornings at 11 a.m., Oct. 8 through Nov. 5. She becomes the joke of her new class due to her overlong, odd hair. She is locked in a treehouse and meets several singing turtles which instruct her to find her confidence and to be happy she is who she is.  

Rapunzel: Here and Now is written by the Wallingford mother-daughter team of Laura and Tricia Kiehner. Tricia is a recent graduate of Strath Haven High School and is enjoying her second year as a student at Temple. She has appeared on The Media Theatre stage in several productions including Scrooge, Jack and The Beanstalk and The Magic Circle. Her mother, Laura, has been with The Media Theatre for five years as the group sales manager and has also performed on stage in several children’s shows.  

"The show takes place in 2011 with current attitudes and costuming," Laura Kiehner explained. "This is not in an undefined 'fairy tale' time period because we wanted to focus on current themes within the structure of an old story." 

She continues, "However, there are fun elements throughout such as the Singing Turtles and upbeat choreography. It's current, but maintains that magical element of theatricality that young audiences identify with. The fact that Rapunzel is not a princess allows all little girls to feel as if they could be who she is--that no matter who they are, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve happiness because of who they are." 

Songs include, "Don’t Want To Go," "The Teasing Song," and "Accepting Everyone." The musical has valuable lessons for young people about the effects of bullying and the importance of being unique. 

Erika Roberts, of Rose Valley, portrays the lead role. She is a member of The Media Theatre’s New School and was seen this past summer in Rent, School Edition. The music director is Eric Longo, who is also a member of the cast of Media Theatre’s Chicago this fall. 

For tickets to Rapunzel: Here and Now, which has dramatic and humorous moments and is suitable for ages five and up, call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. 

(Pictured: Wallingford's writing and composing mom and daughter team Tricia Kiehner and Laura Kiehner take time for a photo with Erika Roberts (center) who portrays the lead role in their new musical Rapunzel: Here and Now which has its premiere at The Media Theatre this October.)