Written by author and World War II aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery in 1943, a year before his death, the story has seen many incarnations, from its first run as a popular and enduring children's book translated into dozens of languages, to an animated movie, a play and an '80s television cartoon. Its longlasting popularity with both children and adults can be attributed to the story's timeless themes of love and loneliness.

The story follows a pilot who crashes his plane in the Sahara Desert and meets a young prince. The little prince, who comes from a faraway planet, reminds the pilot that "one sees clearly only with the heart." The play is set to dreamlike music and shows that what is essential in life can sometimes be invisible to the eye.

Saint-Exupery, like the aviator character in his book, had a passion for airplanes and took many flights over the Sahara Desert. He also spent time thinking and writing about solitude, friendship, the meaning of life and the human condition. His career came to an end as a French army pilot in World War II, when his plane disappeared over the Mediterranean during a reconnaissance mission.

Performing on a larger stage at West Valley College allows the theater group added flexibility with the set design. An actress backstage will illustrate well-known pictures from the book in real time while the images are projected on an onstage screen. Such a technical accomplishment would not be possible at CTC's home stage in Sunnyvale. The larger theater also provides more seating, accommodating an audience of nearly 400. Renting out larger local theaters has helped the group keep up with the demand for their family-friendly shows.

Directed by Will Huddleston, CTC's resident director, The Little Prince features an all-adult, professional cast and will remain faithful to the spirit of the original book for its first presentation of the story.

The Miracle Worker, the inspirational story of blind and mute Helen Keller is being performed at the Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 18. Professional adult actors and one child actor perform this true story. Like all CTC productions, The Miracle Worker is one hour long and appropriate for both children and adults. The play is recommended for children in the third grade and older.

CTC presents 'The Little Prince' Jan. 14-25 at West Valley College in Saratoga and 'The Miracle Worker' at the Sunnyvale Community Center on Jan. 18. Tickets range from $11.50 to $12; group discounts are available. For more information or to order tickets, call 408.245.2978 or visit www.ctcinc.org.