Pitt State Theatre brings beloved children’s book “The Little Prince” to the stage

A mysterious child appears to a stranded pilot in the Sahara Desert and makes an unusual request: to draw a picture of a sheep.

From that moment, they embark on an intergalactic journey of imagination and transformation, traveling from planet to planet and encountering strange characters - each with a curious way of looking at life.

Pitt State Theatre will bring this extraordinary adventure to the stage Oct. 23-26 in the Dotty and Bill Miller Theater at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts on the campus of Pittsburg State University.

First published in the U.S. in 1943 and later in France in 1946, "The Little Prince" is a timeless allegory about friendship, loneliness, love, and loss. French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry based the story on a small figure he doodled, a "little man" who was, in his words, "just a little fellow I carry around in my heart."

That figure became the central character of a book that went on to become a worldwide phenomenon, translated into more than 600 languages.

"It is credited as one of the most published books of all time with over 140 million copies sold and the story has been adapted into theatre, ballet, opera, and film productions," said Director Megan Westhoff.

Though written more than 80 years ago, the story's messages remain powerful and relevant.

"There are many lessons for both children and adults to remember, such as finding the inner passion that exists in all of us, valuing the relationships of the people in our lives, and rediscovering childlike wonder," Westhoff said.

"The Little Prince" continues to enchant audiences across generations-and Pitt State Theatre's production promises to do the same.

Cast and crew

The acting ensemble includes Sydney Patterson (Butler, Missouri) as the Little Prince, Keller Erwin (Pittsburg) as the Aviator, and Leah McDonald (Lamar, Missouri) as Rose.

Playing the inhabitants of the planets are Bree Maxwell (Frontenac), Easton King (Frontenac), Jill DeLong (Neodesha), Tyller Zacher (Lawrence), Megan Spiers (Pittsburg), Lily Han (Yongin, South Korea), and Ke Wang (Shaoyang, China).

The production staff includes Linden Little, scenic and lighting designer, and Lisa Quinteros, costume designer. Stage managers are Bailey Julian (Pittsburg) and Gavyn Nybakken (Cottage Grove, Minnesota). Melissa Sollner (Mililani, Hawaii) serves as the projection designer and Hailey Baker (Neodesha) and Brooke Baker (Olathe) are the props managers.

Showtimes

"The Little Prince" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23-25 at 2 p.m. Oct. 25-26.

Tickets

$18 for the general public

$13 for under 17 or over 64

free to students/faculty/staff with a valid Pitt State ID

Tickets are available in person at the Pitt State Ticket Office, Room 137 Weede Building, M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; by calling 620-235-4796; by ordering online at pittstate.edu/tickets; or at the door approximately 30 minutes prior to curtain. Reserving tickets in advance is strongly encouraged.

Donations

For the 2025-2026 theatre season, Pitt State Theatre is collecting needed items for The Lord's Diner. During the run performances of The Little Prince, donations of single-serve snacks, such as peanut butter and crackers or cheese dip and cracker sticks, will be collected.

"We believe in the power of community, so this is an important way to help our neighbors and friends in giving through acts of service," offered Westhoff.