By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

We have all heard the story about the princess kissing a frog and having the frog magically turn into a prince.

Allegedly, that is how a lot of relationships start out. Starting this Thursday night, Offshoot Productions will present two participatory musicals for children: “The Frog Prince” and “The Further Adventures of Maide Marian.”

Offshoot did two children's participatory plays last summer, “Treasure Island” and “Cinderella,” both of which enjoyed great success. Both stories involved children in the audience and allowed them to be not only part of the play, but also part of the story. Some children were called up to go on the rescue mission in “Treasure Island,” while others danced at the ball in “Cinderella.” According to Offshoot's artistic director, Susan Steadman, it is experiences like this that light the fire for theater and performing in children.

“We really hope that kids leave with the idea that theater is fun and quite exciting,” said Steadman. “I also hope that they leave with a sense of achievement, having helped the characters resolve their situations and after performing in front of an audience.”

“The Tale of The Frog Prince” is similar to the beloved fairy tale, with the exception that there is now a magic elf that only the frog and the princess can see. Audience members will be selected to come on stage and play games with the frog and the elf.

“The Tale of the Frog Prince,” directed by Susan M. Steadman, Ph.D., features Brian Turner as the title character, with Bettina Seay as Rosalie, the princess who befriends him, and Brenda Tymecki as the Queen. These three actors previously appeared together in last winter's professional show, “Scotland Road.” The cast also includes apprentices Becky Wilson (Penelope), Kurt Ross (Bertram), Jeremy Steadman (King) and Steven Wilson portrays Spree, a magic elf. Mary Alice Olsan is rehearsal assistant.

The story of “The Further Adventures of Maide Marian” deals with Robin Hood being stuck in a tree and desperately frightened by something. Maide Marian assembles a gang from the audience to track down the creature that has given Robin Hood such a fright.

Directed by Ethan Williams (who is assisted by apprentice Kerrick Butler II), “Maide Marian” features Turner as Robin Hood, Bettina as Maide Marian, and Susan Dolan as Alan O'Dale. Apprentice actors are Joey Waldrop (Dithero) and J. Anthony Strickland (Friar Tuck). Paige Steadman and Katy Jenkins alternate as Mad Molly and stage manager.

Directors for the plays are R. Ethan Williams (“The Further Adventures of Maide Marian”) and Offshoot producing artistic director Susan M. Steadman, Ph.D. (“The Tale of the Frog Prince”). Williams, who has worked as an actor, stage manager and assistant director for Offshoot, is a familiar figure at the Georgia Renaissance Festival.

The colorful and imaginative costuming is provided by Roseann Miracle, a Peachtree City resident. Fayetteville's A. Bryant Betsill Jr. is responsible for set and lighting design. Accompanist Martha Clarke, a newcomer to Georgia, has provided piano arrangements.

“We decided to do musicals this year because we have a cast that has beautiful voices,” explained Steadman. “It will also be very enjoyable for the audience to hear the music in an intimate setting instead of a larger theater space.”

Tickets for the preview, which includes both plays, are $6; tickets for all other performances are $5. Regular performances of “Maide Marian” are 8 p.m. July 21-22; 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 27; and 3 p.m. July 29-30. Frog Prince performances are 3 p.m. July 22-23; 10:30 a.m. July 27; and 8 p.m. July 28-29.

Although tickets will be sold at the door, they are also available in advance at the Fayette Book Shop, 692 N. Glynn St., Fayetteville, 770-461-5907; the Omega Book Center, 100 N. Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree City, 770-487-3977; the Peachtree City Library, 201 Willowbend Road, 770-631-2520; and the Fayette County Library, 1821 Heritage Parkway, 770-461-8842.

Large groups are encouraged to attend the Thursday, July 27 matinees, when “The Tale of the Frog Prince” will be presented at 10:30 a.m. and “The Further Adventures of Maide Marian” will be shown at 1:30 p.m.

For group rates and additional information, call the Offshoot office at 770-631-2362 or e-mail to offshootpr@aol.com.

Offshoot also will offer a workshop entitled “Working with the Script.” The workshop is especially designed for children 9 to 12 and will be Monday, July 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Peachtree City Library. Using short scenes enacted by the participants, this workshop will introduce youngsters to play and character analysis. Registration fee is $20.

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