Le Petite Prince Project Introduces An 'Out Of This World' Opera

CHAPPAQUA, NY — A free afternoon of opera geared to the whole family is coming to the Gedney Park Gazebo. Like the Petite Prince himself, there is more to this project than meets the eye.

The Little Prince Project, Inc., a non-profit performing arts foundation, will unveil its inaugural production of Rachel Portman’s two-act opera “The Little Prince,” at 4 p.m. on September 12, at the Gedney Park Gazebo in Chappaqua. The unique performance will be free to the public.

The Little Prince Project is led by renowned international performer, dramatic soprano and vocal coach, Dominique Hellsten, with a mission to revive the spirit of performing arts throughout Westchester County, despite the ongoing pandemic-related obstacles. She explained that her hope is to help "reignite the flames of passion and admiration for the performing arts world" — one performance at a time.

“The singing voice is a gift that is meant to be shared with your community and the world around us, and we all have an ability—and responsibility—to lift our voices, regardless of what degree of ‘talent’ we might have," Hellsten said. “We hope that families and people of every age and background can emerge from their homes knowing that they can enjoy an afternoon of opera and the arts performed by some of the area’s best young talent.”

The story of “The Little Prince” based on a novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, follows a young prince who visits various planets in space, including Earth. The operatic interpretation of the beloved children's classic will address themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss — all experiences that the coronavirus has given us all plenty to reflect on in recent months.

Audience members are encouraged to bring their whole families, young and old, along with lawn chairs and a picnic meal, while enjoying the abbreviated production in the park together.