Sussex County Community College Theater Workshop Players Premieres “Once A Pond A Time: The Tales of Thumbelina and Ugly Duckling” Show Dates are Thursday May 2 and 9 at 12 pm; May 4, at 11 am in the Student Center Theater.
"Once a Pond a Time: The Tales of Thumbelina and Ugly Duckling" is a delightful children’s play that combines several beloved fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen and is adapted, written, and performed by the Sussex County Community College Theater Workshop Players. The children’s show will be held at the Student Center Theater in building D, on the campus of Sussex County Community College, One College Hill Drive, Newton, NJ.
The story focuses on Thumbelina's and Ugly Duckling's life 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.
In addition to the "Once A Pond A Time” play, 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 fun 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.
Show dates are Thursday, May 2 at 12 p.m.; Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m. and Thursday, May 9, at 12 p.m. Tickets are $5. Children two-year-old and under are free but a spot must be indicated in the ticket order, which can be purchased 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, Student Center Theatear 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; Dr. Deborah Gianuzzi, Applied Music – Piano; and Dr. Leonard Sheehy, Makerspace.
Sussex County Library System will also 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 Sussex County Community College. “We welcome people of all ages to enjoy this special family event and other unique learning programs held at our college.”
Left to Right: Dana Nigro of Stillwater, 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
Left to Right: Alexis Garrity of Sussex and Colin O’Sullivan go over lines for "Once a Pond a Time: The Tales of Thumbelina and Ugly Duckling" in Sussex County Community College’s Theater Workshop class.
