The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) now on stage
"It is only in the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."
This beloved book was introduced to me by an ex boyfriend, and I gave a copy as a gift to another (and that didn't last either). Finally, I realised it was unlucky in love, so I just gave the novella to myself instead. I've read it again and again. And again. Yet as simple as this story is, The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) resonates even more deeply as time goes by, and its seemingly simple yet profound philosophies hold timelessly more true now than ever.
Opening night at West HQ's Sydney Coliseum saw me a little apprehensive. You can get let down when you love something so much? How would my beloved book translate to the stage?
Better than hoped, even better than reading the book - this magical physical performance combining spectacular aerials and acrobatics with the storybook characters actually enhance enjoyment of the beloved story. Here it is being read for me in the 1st person onstage by the aviator narrator. The physical attributes, not just look but movements and gestures, of the main namesake character The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) are just like I had imagined in my head when I was reading it so many times. Exactly. And I was particularly taken by the scenes with the rose and the fox, which is for me the same in the book. From the interaction with these two characters, we derive the most poignant and famous quotes. So that was uplifting. And thrilling. And a relief.
Expansive out of this world magic! Sensitive storytelling with sensational movement. With entrancing costumes and fantastic lighting and imagery.
At West HQ’s Sydney Coliseum Theatre now and for a strictly limited season.
www.thelittleprincetour.com.au
Antoine de Saint Exupéry’s Le Petit Prince remains one of the best-selling books ever published. The international phenomenon has sold a stunning 200 million copies in 250 languages to become the second most translated book in modern history.
This story and this show is for all ages. I was 30 the first time I read it. So while you can take the kids and they will enjoy the magic, you definitely don't need to have any to take to go. Or, you don't need to have read the book before either. Your heart will still expand. You will still float in your seat. You will still leave with a big wide smile and still wake up with it on your face in the morning.
Make sure you see it! 2022 will be all the better a year for doing so.
PS I live in the city (Kings Cross) and my outbound and return car trips to West HQ were both under 45 minutes with parking right at the door on arrival. Too easy!
