LifeHouse Theater Presents the Musical "Heidi"

LifeHouse Theater continues its 20th anniversary season with the return of the fun family favorite, “Heidi,” sponsored by Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Food Markets. Inspired by the classic Johanna Spyri best selling novel, this award-winning hit musical by Wayne Scott tells the touching tale of an orphaned girl forced to live with her hermit grandfather. Performances begin on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 PM and will continue on weekends through June 1. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 2:15 and 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:15 PM. In addition to the weekend performances, there will be a special Thursday performance on May 29 at 7:30 PM. The performance on Saturday, May 24 will also feature an interpreted presentation for the deaf. Tickets are available online at www.boxoffice.lifehousetheater.com. Advance ticket prices are $14 or $18 for adults and $7 or $9 for children ages 3-11 (no children under 3 are admitted) and may be purchased over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard by calling (909) 335-3037 (a $3 convenience fee is added to all phone orders). Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office, which is open Fridays from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and one hour prior to performance times on the weekends. Tickets are $1 more the day of the performance. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. Guests are encouraged to reserve seats early as performances do sell out. With the Swiss Alps serving as the story’s backdrop, “Heidi” follows the endearing relationship between a young orphan girl and her estranged grandfather. Snatched away by a scheming distant relative who plots to use the girl’s natural warmth for financial gain, Heidi is thrust into a strange world of wealth as she is forced to care for an invalid daughter of a businessman. The grandfather’s pursuit to reunite with Heidi, mysteries surrounding his past, a supposedly haunted mansion, and Heidi’s final destiny all combine with a tuneful score for a memorable family experience. As a special Mother’s Day bonus, guests attending the Sunday, May 11 performance will receive a special dessert prepared by up-and-coming chef Jordon Hunter-Quesada. Families won’t want to miss this Mother’s Day event! “We are thrilled that this beloved classic returns in time for Mother’s Day,” observes LifeHouse founder and president, Wayne Scott. “The infectious joy of ‘Heidi’ is sure to entertain the entire family.” “Heidi” features a veteran cast of talented Inland Empire performers. Alyssa Burton plays the title character with Willie Behrends as Grandpa Alp. Also featured are Logan Watts as shepherd boy Peter, John Hallenbeck as wealthy businessman Herr Sesemann, Chloe Wasdatskey as the kindly Klara, Peter Rajca as the organ grinder Eric, Sarah Pearce as the matronly Grandmother Sesemann and Diana Handy as the comical villain Fraulein Rottenmeier. Jacob Gomez and Emily Peterson portray the servants Sebastian and Tinette. “Heidi” is directed by Jana Smith. Jeremy Yeo and Brittney Becker serve as Vocal Directors. Choreography is by Bethanne Boone with costume design by Machir Lakofka. Set Design is by Tim Mahoney. LifeHouse Theater continues its 20th anniversary season with “Treasure Island” (June 14 - July 13, 2014), “Seussical” (July 26 - Aug. 31, 2014), “Samson” (Sept. 13 - Oct. 12, 2014) and “Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles” (Oct. 25 - Nov. 16, 2014). The theater is located at 1135 N. Church St. in Redlands, next to the Redlands Christian School. Free parking is available in back of the theater. More information is available by visiting the theater website at www.lifehousetheater.com. For more information, please call (909) 335-3037.