PigPgen Theatre Co., who earned nationwide acclaim with the 2014 debut of their ensemble musical The Old Man and The Old Moon, return to San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre with the world-premiere musical The Tale of Despereaux, which officially opens July 13.

Based on the 2003 novel by Kate DiCamillo and subsequent animated film adaptation, The Tale of Despereaux tells the story of a courageous mouse who dreams of becoming a knight.

PigPen Theatre Co. wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the family-friendly musical, created in collaboration with director Marc Bruni (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical).

Performances are scheduled to run through August 11. The production will then move to Berkeley Repertory Theatre, where previews begin November 21.

The cast includes Alex Falberg as Lester, Ben Ferguson as Furlough, Curtis Gillen as Louise and Most High Head Mouse, Taylor Iman Jones as Princess Pea and Merlot, Ryan Melia as Librarian and Prisoner, Betsy Morgan as Miggery Sow and Antoinette, Bianca Norwood as Despereaux, Matt Nuernberger as Botticelli, Eric Petersen as Roscuro, Arya Shahi as King Philip, and Dan Weschler as Stained-Glass Knight. Production swings are Michael Cusimano, Natasha Harris, and Devon Hunt.

PigPen Theatre Co. was formed by Falberg, Ferguson, Gillen, Melia, Nuernberger, Shahi, and Weschler while they were students at Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in 2008. The troupe is known for producing atmospheric theatrical fables through a blend of original music, shadow puppetry, and story-telling techniques.

The Tale of Despereaux has scenic design by Jason Sherwood, costume design by Anita Yavich, lighting design by Isabella Byrd, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, puppetry design by Lydia Fine and Nick Lehane.

The production features choreography by Jennifer Jancuska, music direction by Christopher Jahnke, and casting by Tara Rubin Casting/Merri Sugarman, CSA. Libby Unsworth is the production stage manager.