Enchanted April runs March 26 through April 11.

Centerstage’s managing artistic director Alan Bryce made the decision to produce the utterly beguiling stage version of Elizabeth von Armin’s best selling 1921 novel, Enchanted April, at a time when the South Sound’s own enchanting flora are at their peak.

The play’s thematic components of gentle feminism, love and self-discovery are universal and engaging; and its ability to transport audiences back to another time and place makes the show the perfect antidote to the tax season blues. A brief escape to a secluded Italian castle on the Mediterranean coast is just what the doctor ordered.

Enchanted April was adapted for the screen twice; first in 1935 and again in 1992.

The later film version starred Miranda Richardson, Joan Plowright, Alfred Molina and Josie Lawrence and went on to receive multiple Oscar nominations and other industry awards. Enchanted April is a bittersweet comedy set just after WWI, the war to end all wars.

Over one million young men failed to return home to England after the War leaving their young wives and sweethearts alone. Lotty and three of her dissimilar female acquaintances band together during this difficult time for a month-long holiday at an Italian villa on the Mediterranean.

All four ladies are disenchanted and in need of a change. It is in Italy, amidst the wisteria blossoms and Mediterranean seascape that the women bloom again – in surprising and delightful ways.

Single tickets for all 12 performances are on sale now and available by phone, (253) 661-1444, online at www.centerstagetheatre.com, and in person at the Knutzen Family Theater box office.

Single tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for seniors, military, students 18 & over with ID; $17 tickets are available for groups of 10 or more. All shows are performed at the Knutzen Family Theatre and are general admission. There are 4 performances a week on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm plus a Saturday and Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm.