The Kenan Center Theatre will present “The Little Prince,”a visually engaging and deeply moving stage adaptation of the beloved story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, today through Feb. 8 in the Taylor Theatre at the Kenan Center, 433 Locust St. in Lockport.
Adapted by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar, “The Little Prince” tells the story of a disenchanted aviator whose plane crash leaves him stranded in the Sahara Desert, where he encounters a mysterious and regal young visitor known as the Little Prince. Over the course of their time together, the Little Prince shares tales of his travels across the galaxy, his encounters with strange adults, and his complicated relationship with a beloved flower on his tiny home planet. Through these exchanges, the Aviator is reminded of a simple but powerful truth: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Directed by Bill Patti, CEO of the Kenan Center, the production embraces a minimalist theatrical approach that places creativity and imagination at the center of the experience. While spare in form, the staging and production values create a rich, evocative world that invites audiences to actively engage their imagination.
“This adaptation really speaks to how deeply our words and actions affect one another,” said Patti. “It reminds us that the people we encounter along our journey shape who we become. Audiences will see themselves in either the Little Prince or the Aviator — and while they’ll laugh, find joy, and maybe even tear up, they’ll also walk away feeling validated in their own life journey.”
The production stars Christopher Guilmet as the Aviator and Christine Turturro as the Little Prince with Jimmy Lewis and Paige Cummings in supporting roles. The creative team includes Emma English (Stage Manager), Chris Bratek (Set Design), Caleb Foley (Lighting Design), and Vivian del Bello (Costume Design).
Running approximately 75 to 80 minutes, “The Little Prince” is recommended for audiences ages 5 to 125, offering different layers of meaning for children and adults alike. While accessible and engaging for young audiences, the story’s themes of empathy, human connection, and creativity resonate powerfully with adults navigating an increasingly disconnected world.
“We spend too much time telling children to grow up and leave imagination behind,” Patti added. “This story reminds us that growing up doesn’t mean losing wonder, joy, or empathy. The most important things in our lives are the people we surround ourselves with, and this show is a celebration of that connection.”
“The Little Prince” is the third production of the Kenan Theatre’s 2025–2026 season, continuing the center’s commitment to producing thoughtful, high-quality theatre that speaks to audiences of all ages.
Public performances are Saturdays at 2 and 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $28 general admission, $18 student and can be purchased online at www.ticketleap.events/tickets/kenancenter/the-little-prince