Round House Theatre’s stunning new production of “The Little Prince” directed by Eric Ting, continues the company’s tradition of offering family-friendly entertainment during the end-of-year holidays.

Rick Cummins and John Scoullar’s wildly theatrical new adaptation of the beloved children’s book by Antoine de Saint- Exupéry tells the story of a world-weary Aviator, whose sputtering plane strands him in the Sahara Desert, and the mysterious Little Prince he meets. During their two weeks together in the desert, the Little Prince regales the Aviator with tales of his travels throughout the galaxy and all of the interesting creatures and people he has befriended.  When the Little Prince and the Aviator part ways, each leaves with a newfound appreciation of love, friendship, and the importance of living a rich, full life.  It’s sure to charm the young and the young at heart.

Sponsored in part by the generous support of The Dupler Family and The Eacho Family, “The Little Prince” runs through December 10 at Round House Theatre Bethesda.   The community partner for this production is Alliance Française “The Little Prince” is staged under the honorary patronage of His Excellency, the Ambassador of France to the United States, and Mrs. Levitte.

A host of special events are scheduled in conjunction with the show including student matinee performances, special activities for Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops, plus opportunities to meet the Little Prince and friends after every performance.  “The Purple Planet’ youth lobby offers pre-show and intermission activities for children.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is best known throughout the world as the author and illustrator of “The Little Prince,” which has been universally embraced by children and adults since its publication in 1943. A year after the book was published, Saint-Exupéry disappeared over the Mediterranean while flying a reconnaissance mission for the Allied Forces.  Many have assumed the Aviator to be an autobiographical character born from Saint-Exupéry’s experience as an aviator.

Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison is thrilled to offer The Little Prince as part of Round House’s Literary Works Project, which "brings literature to life" through the production of plays and musicals that are based on works of literature. “At this time of year, we want to provide the community with a theatrical event for the entire family,” says Robison. “ ‘The Little Prince’ is much more than a children’s story; it’s an imaginative exploration of what matters most in life.”

Director Eric Ting, making his directorial debut at Round House Theatre, feels a deep connection with the story. “The tale of the Prince and the Aviator is many things to many people,” Ting says. “For me, it is a celebration of the ties that bind, of the transforming power of faith, of something lost—the artist we once were, perhaps, untainted by war, by age, by broken hearts.”

The production runs through December 10 in Bethesda.  Tickets $20-$55 may be purchased online or at the box office by calling 240.644.1100.