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Children's Dance Theatre brings the classic fairy tale "The Snow Queen" to life March 29 and 30 at the Capitol Theatre.

CDT Director Mary Ann Lee said the show is "completely original" from the whimsical costumes to the score written by resident composer Tristan Moore. It will feature 280 children between ages 8 and 18, along with several adult guest performers.

Lee and Moore were inspired to create the musical after hearing Jeri and Barry Marshall, aka The Storycrafters, perform "The Snow Queen" at last year's Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Orem. The New York City couple will return to the state to narrate the Children's Dance Theatre performances, said Lee.

The story, originally written by Hans Christian Andersen, begins with a magic mirror that magnifies everything bad and distorts all that is good. One day it shatters into millions of tiny pieces, two of which lodge in the eye and heart of a boy named Kai, transforming his vision and heart. His devoted friend, Gerda, sets off on a quest to break the Snow Queen's spell and rescue him.

Children's Dance Theatre — the performing arm of the University of Utah Tanner Dance Program — also will offer free performances for schoolchildren throughout the state. —

'The Snow Queen

Children's Dance Theatre (CDT) performs Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale "The Snow Queen."

When • Friday, March 29, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 30, 2 p.m.

Where • Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City.

Tickets • $17-$26; half price tickets for children under 12. Purchase at the box office, by phone 801-355-2787 or arttix.org