‘The Little Prince’

From the heart of Broadway, New York, comes the extraordinary production ‘The Little Prince’, a grand-scale adaptation of French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's classic book by the same name.  
 
The visually opulent production makes its India debut at The Grand Theatre for an exclusive limited run this September, having garnered rave reviews world over since its opening at Parisian concert hall Folies Bergère in 2019. 

Mirroring the tale originally published in 1943, the play traces the interplanetary adventures of a boy-prince from Asteroid B-612. The audience meets him as the oddly wise narrator who befriends an unnamed aviator who has recently crash landed in the Sahara Desert. In this unusual setting, the protagonist reveals himself to be prince from a solitary planet and recounts his cosmic odyssey to the pilot.      

Having left his home planet over misgivings about a beloved anthropomorphic Rose, the Little Prince shares the chronicles of his travels with vivid abandon, touching upon on the themes of loneliness, friendship, and love. As the audience is drawn into a world of magic-realism filled with colour and intrigue, they are introduced to a host of otherworldly characters, each of whom reflect unique a facet of human nature.  

The protagonist’s stories are brought to life by stunning feats of acrobatics, music, dance, animated movements, and cutting-edge video mapping technology. Elements of traditional and modern storytelling merge in this visual masterpiece – one that pushes the boundaries of a conventional stage production, making it an unforgettable experience. 

Thematically, the Prince’s stunning tapestry of tales connect to a single thread – his unwavering devotion to Rose, a love that remains steadfast through the course of far-flung adventures. Soon his journey – and the audience’s – evolves into a poignant exploration of emotions and relationships. When the Prince bids farewell to the aviator, he leaves behind his enchanted memories, and a profound appreciation for the wise innocence of childhood.  

Directed and choreographed by the inimitable Anne Tournié and Chris Mouron, the family-favourite Broadway production gets its one-of-a-kind appeal from the drama of aerial choreography and virtual projections. The story is propelled not by words (no character other than the protagonist actually speaks), but by breathtaking acts of acrobatics paired with stirring music. Immersive video projections envelope the expansive stage of The Grand Theatre, whisking away the audience into fantastical realms. The artistry of a world-class cast, which includes live singing by the protagonist, adds to the dreamlike experience.      

The production features music by Terry Truck, video design and direction by Marie Jumelin and Etienne Beaussart, lighting design by Stéphane Fritsch, sound design by Tristan Viscogliosi, hair and makeup by Carmen Arbues Miro, costume design by Peggy Housset, and props by Aurélie Gandilhon. 

Come, step into a larger-than-life theatrical experience where every element comes together to cast a spell of wonderment!