Ballet for young audiences at Shawnee

On stage for one weekend only, C & K Dance Company will present the ballet "Coppelia" at The Shawnee Playhouse.

This beautifully adapted version for young audiences offers Léo Delibes's melodic score and ensures everyone enjoys this classic fairy tale.

"Coppelia" is the story of a small 19th century European village that is receiving the gift of a bell from the local prince. All of the townsfolk, including the young couple Swanhilde and Frantz, are enjoying a big celebration in honor of the gift.

Everyone, that is, except the grumpy Dr. Coppelius. He is a strange inventor of mechanical dolls. One of his dolls is the very lifelike and beautiful Coppelia. The girls notice Coppelia in the window of Dr. Coppelius' castle and cannot understand why she will not acknowledge them.

Frantz too notices Coppelia and takes a liking to her. After the celebration ends, the girls have a chance to sneak into the doctor's castle and see if they can meet the mysterious girl in the window. Frantz has the same idea, but he gets caught by Dr. Coppelius.

Since the doctor is trying to bring the doll to life Swanhilde dresses as Coppelia to try to save Frantz. The couple escapes and the doctor is left with his beloved doll, Coppelia.

Performances are 10 a.m. April 11; 2 p.m. April 10 and 12; and 7 p.m. April 10-11. Ticket prices are $11 for all seats.

To reserve tickets call the box office at 570-421-5093 or visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com.

The Shawnee Playhouse is located at 552 River Road in Shawnee On Delaware.