PHILADELPHIA, PA — Classic fairy tales are getting turned upside down in the most delightfully ridiculous way this spring as Arden Children’s Theatre invites families into a world where nothing goes according to plan—and that’s exactly the point.
Beginning April 8, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales takes over the Arcadia Stage in Old City, transforming the theatre into a playful, immersive storybook experience filled with surprises, laughter, and nonstop energy.
From the moment audiences arrive, they’re pulled into a whimsical funhouse where familiar characters pop into the wrong stories, narrators lose control, and the rules of storytelling are tossed aside for pure, joyful chaos.
A Wildly Funny Take on Classic Stories
Based on the beloved book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith and adapted by John Glore, the fast-paced production reimagines well-known tales with unexpected twists. The Ugly Duckling never becomes a swan, a princess gets more slime than romance, and even the title character—a very smelly cheese—tries to steal the spotlight.
“We just want audiences to come into the theater, escape the world for a little while, and laugh,” said director Steve Pacek. “The Stinky Cheese Man takes stories you think you know and flips them completely upside down in the most wild, weird, and joyful way.”
Local Talent Brings the Chaos to Life
The production features an all-Philadelphia-based cast, highlighting some of the region’s most dynamic performers. Matteo Scammell returns following his standout role in The BFG, while Lee Minora joins the cast after her memorable performance as Smee in Peter Pan.
Under the direction of Pacek—fresh off the Arden’s acclaimed production of RENT—the show blends live music, physical comedy, and interactive moments that blur the line between audience and stage.
Designed for children ages 5 and up, the production also includes student matinees, accessibility features like smart caption glasses, and ASL-interpreted performances, making it welcoming for a wide range of audiences.
Event Details
- What: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales
- When: Previews begin April 8, 2026; Opening Night April 18; Runs through May 31, 2026
- Where: Arden Theatre Company, Arcadia Stage, 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Cost/Tickets: Tickets start at $35
- More Info: https://ardentheatre.org
With its mix of humor, imagination, and interactive storytelling, Arden Children’s Theatre’s latest production offers families a chance to experience fairy tales in a whole new way—one that’s a little sillier, a little messier, and a lot more fun.
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