MFDB

In this witty and heartwarming tale of rags-to-riches, inspired by the beloved children’s novel Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett (author of The Secret Garden and The Little Princess), the tomboyish 8-year-old American ragamuffin Emily Ernest, raised by her young widowed mother “Dearest” in late 19th century Brooklyn, discovers one day that she is the granddaughter and only living heir to the crusty old Duchess of Liebenfels zu Arlingen.  Getting on in years, the estranged grandmother sends the handsome family solicitor, Mr von Havenegg, to request Emily’s immediate presence in Austria so she may learn the aristocratic ways of the Duchess.  Havenegg takes a liking to the lovely widow, but reluctantly explain that the child is to be taken away from her American mother once she has received her proper title.

When they arrive at the Castle of Liebenfels zu Arlingen, the Duchess proves to be a cold, harsh, dour old woman, feared and disliked by her servants and villagers.  But Emily sees only the good in her.  Slowly, the charming and free-spirited child inspires a remarkable transformation in the Duchess and those around her, breathing life into her stiff world, and changing the definition of what it means to be a “Lady”.  The two begin to form a beautiful companionship, until an imposter arrives one day claiming that her brat of a son is the rightful heir to the estate.

Set against the backdrop of the Women’s Suffrage Movement while addressing contemporary family conflicts and social issues, thisb beautiful and unique retelling of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s timeless classic is a true celebration of the human spirit, the bond between mother and child and is sure to delight audiences of all ages.