Children’s show onstage at SCCC
NEWTON. ‘Once a Pond a Time: The Tales of Thumbelina and Ugly Duckling’ combines several beloved fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen.
Newton /
| 25 Apr 2024 | 06:12
From left, Dana Nigro of Stillwater and directors and writers Tessa Gori of Sparta and Ryan Vandermaas of Newton discuss script changes to their children’s show, ‘Once a Pond a Time: The Tales of Thumbelina and Ugly Duckling’ in Sussex County Community College’s Theater Workshop class. (Photos provided)
Alexis Garrity of Sussex and Colin O’Sullivan go over lines for ‘Once a Pond a Time: The Tales of Thumbelina and Ugly Duckling.’
The children’s show, ”Once a Pond a Time: The Tales of Thumbelina and Ugly Duckling,”
The play combines several beloved fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen. It is adapted, written and performed by the Sussex County Community College (SCCC) Theater Workshop Players.
The show will be performed in the Student Community Center Theater in Building D on the SCCC campus, One College Hill Drive, Newton.
The story focuses on the life of Thumbelina and Ugly Duckling by the pond and the different creatures they encounter: busy beetles, quacking ducks, a sinister mole, a clueless mouse, a sheep and a frog emperor. Both Thumbelina and the Ugly Duckling try to fit in but at times are met with unkind words and are not accepted in certain groups. The characters develop a unique friendship and learn self-acceptance while discovering nature’s beauty along the way.
The event also includes a meet-and-greet with the pond creatures, a Creation Station and a sweet treat.
Attendees will have an opportunity to design art projects at the Creation Station, run by the SCCC Child Development and Visual Arts programs.
The show is geared for children, families and friends of all ages.
Performances will be at noon Thursday, May 2; 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4; and noon Thursday, May 9.
Tickets are $5. Children age 2 and younger are admitted for free but a spot must be indicated in the ticket order, which may be purchased online at https://sussex.simpletix.com/
When purchasing tickets, please indicate if guests would like to color and create a free project at the Creation Station.
This special workshop has an interdepartmental collaboration component for students in various disciplines to work on projects taught in the classroom and apply it to the special event.
Professors and classes involved include Allison Ognibene, Theater Workshop; Anthony Ur, 3D Design; Jimmy Jeffreys, Comic Book Illustration; Vicki Vigorito, Child Development; Elizabeth Delfino, Music and Art in Early Childhood Education; Martin Kester, Culinary Arts; Anita Collins, Art Portfolio; Deborah Gianuzzi, Applied Music-Piano; and Leonard Sheehy, Makerspace.
The Sussex County Library System will have a table set up during the performances for attendees to sign up for library cards and learn about special story time events.
“At Sussex County Community College, fostering professional development and learning experiences are some of the foundational goals that help lead to student success. The inter-departmental collaborations demonstrate this commitment to both our students and community,” said Nancy Gallo, associate vice president of academic affairs at SCCC. “We welcome people of all ages to enjoy this special family event and other unique learning programs held at our college.”