HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN

Hans Christian Andersen created a world that lived in the imagination. His 168 stories including, “The Little Mermaid,” “Thumbelina,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” and “The Snow Queen” have become part of our tradition.

“There will come a day when all of Copenhagen will be lit up in your honor.” It’s a gypsy’s prophecy to fifteen-year-old Hans Christian Andersen. The only child in a wretchedly poor family in the Danish village of Odense, Hans lives in a fantasy world. His hand carved dolls and puppets, his father’s bedtime stories, and his own natural flair for fantastic tales brings the child temporary escape. It takes him all the way to Copenhagen where, he’s been told, dreams can really come true.

Charmed by this unusual young man are the distinguished Jonas Collin (Golden Globe-nominee James Fox, Gulliver’s Travels) and his daughter Jette (Emily Hamilton, David Copperfield). As wealthy as they are kind, they make their lavish home his. They’re also charmed by Hans’ fondness for turning all he sees—from a little match girl to a swan to a pair of ballet slippers — into entertaining and wonderous tales. When Collin introduces him to a publisher, Hans not only sees that his dreams are within reach, but also the opportunity to touch the world with an imagination that would one day become immortal.

The cast also includes Simon Callow (Shakespeare in Love) as Charles Dickens, Geraldine James (Gandhi), Alison Steadman (Topsy-Turvy), and newcomer Kieran Bew in a stunning debut as Hans. Set in a stunningly rendered 19th century Europe, Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairytale is as humorous, emotional and entertaining as the master’s immortal stories themselves.