Los Angeles’ 24^th Street Theatre will debut the world premiere of Hansel & Gretel Bluegrass, a new version of the classic fairy tale by Bryan Davidson, re-set in Depression-era Kentucky. Stage and screen actor Bradley Whitford will star in the production via video, as the narrator.

Directed by Debbie Devine, Hansel & Gretel Bluegrass will features a bluegrass score performed by The Get Down Boys. Performances are set to run October 22-December 11 with an official opening night scheduled for October 29.

“Conditions were so bad in Kentucky in the 1930’s, that some literally believed their kids would be better off on their own,” comments director Devine in a press statement. “The truth is that children have been abandoned by parents throughout the history of the world. How do they survive? Children are incredibly resilient. They get through it by believing in themselves and counting on each other.”

“Theatre changed my life at a young age, not as a career path to be taken, but as an empathetic, joyous way to understand the world.” adds Whitford. “In a world where arts programs are being cut, more than ever kids and their families need access to cathartic, quality theater that doesn't condescend, but challenges and thrills them. That is the mission of 24th Street Theatre and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”

Joining Whitford will be Caleb Foote as Hansel, Angela Giarratana as Gretel and Sarah Zinsser as the Mountain Woman. The Get Down Boys are made up of Mark Cassidy (banjo), Scott Gates (mandolin), Israel Parker (dobro) and Evan Winsor (bass).

The creative team includes music director Megan Swan; set designer Keith Mitchell; lighting designer Dan Weingarten; sound designer Christopher Moscatiello; video designer Matthew Hill; and costume designer Michael Mullen. The stage manager is Alexx Zachary; the assistant director is Ben Durham; and Jennie McInnis produces for 24th Street Theatre.

For tickets and more information, call (213) 745-6516 or go to 24thstreet.org.