Theatre Calgary, in partnership with Somerled Arts, is ready to bring another new work to Calgary audiences with the world premiere of the family musical The Tale of the Gifted Prince.
Featuring book and lyrics by Lezlie Wade and music by Daniel Green, the show is based on the novel The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen by Lloyd Alexander. This classic adventure story follows Prince Ren, who must save his father’s throne in a kingdom on the edge of rebellion. Armed with five humble gifts, he embarks on a quest to enlist the aid of a reclusive shaman. As danger looms, Ren discovers the gifts hold powers that will either mend a realm or shatter it forever.
“This is a story about self-discovery, the strength of friendship, and the ties of family,” says writer Lezlie Wade. “It is also about something even more profound: how the gifts we are given, when used with humility and courage, have the power to effect real change—not just in a kingdom, but in the heart of the one who carries them.” She adds, “This was (co-creator) Daniel Green’s favourite book as a child, and it has become mine as an adult.”
The Tale of the Gifted Prince features an all-Asian cast from Calgary, across Canada, and Broadway. It is highlightedby Ma-Anne Dionisio (Miss Saigon Canadian premiere, West End, Australia; Les Miserablés International & US tours; Theatre Calgary: The Secret Garden) as the Woman, Kelvin Moon Loh (Broadway: Beetlejuice the Musical, SpongeBob SquarePants) as the King and Magistrate, Kennedy Kanagawa (Broadway: Into the Woods) as Prince Ren, and Calgary’s Kelsey Verzotti (Theatre Calgary: Legally Blonde) as Zhihao. Directing and choreographing the show is Darren Lee, who recently played the King in The King and I on London’s West End and the US/UK Tour, along with extensive Broadway and film musical credits.
Mounting a world premiere is nothing new for Theatre Calgary, nor is bringing a new musical to the stage. Over the past 14 years, Theatre Calgary has proudly brought many new plays to Calgary, including Forgiveness, Selma Burke, Honour Beat, a new adaptation of A Christmas Carol, Awoowaakii, Liberation Days, A Thousand Splendid Suns, BOOM X, and the musicals Beyond Eden, The Little Prince, Mary and Max, and The Louder We Get. In 2024, Beaches the Musical received its international premiere on the Max Bell stage and will soon celebrate an opening night on Broadway in April, which is a first for Theatre Calgary.
Artistic Director Stafford Arima shares why it is important to develop and embrace new work. “Every time we commit to a world premiere, we are saying yes to possibility. Yes, to risk. Yes, to the patient process of helping an idea grow into something that can stand on its own in the world,” says Arima. “This musical arrives on our stage as a world premiere, and with it comes all the electricity, uncertainty, and promise that only a first production can offer.”
“When you attend a world premiere, you are participating in the life of the piece. Your laughter, your listening, your emotional responses become part of the show’s DNA,” adds Arima. “You are helping determine how the story lands, what resonates, and what will carry forward into future iterations. New work ensures that new voices are heard, that underrepresented stories find space, and that the art form continues to evolve rather than merely repeat itself.”
The Tale of the Gifted Prince runs February 14 - March 15 in the Max Bell Theatre at Werklund Centre. As part of Theatre Calgary’s ‘Theatre For All’ initiative, seats start at $49 for all regular performances, and can be purchased online at theatrecalgary.com.
Header image: (L to R) The Tale of the Gifted Prince cast members Kelsey Verzotti, Kennedy Kanagawa, Ma-Anne Dionisio. Photo: Tim Nguyen