StoryBook Theater leaps into 2012 with “The Frog Prince,” a musical country-western version of the famous amphibian tale.

Three mainstay productions will also fill Studio East from January through March, including “Little Women,” “Monkey Magic” and “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

This year also marks Studio East’s 20th year, bringing theater arts education to thousands of Eastside youth. The upcoming productions demonstrate the burgeoning talent of today’s area kids.In

“The Frog Prince,” Princess Honey starts the New Year in dire need of some help. She has to find a miracle in order to save the ranch from the clutches of the awful land-grabber, Duke.

Instead she finds a very large frog. The frog offers to help-but only in exchange for a promise.

In “The Frog Prince” the looming question is: will Princess Honey take a leap of faith and decide to keep her promise to the big green frog in the hopes it will save the ranch?

With an eye toward introducing the very youngest theater audiences to the magic and wonder of musical theater, StoryBook Theater’s professional all-local adult cast will travel the region to present this 55-minute musical production (geared toward 3-10-year olds) at four different venues.

Tickets to “The Frog Prince” are $10 for all patrons over 1 year of age.

The performance begins at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jan. 28-29 at Renton Carco Theater, 1717 Maple Valley Highway in Renton; at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Feb. 4-5 and Feb. 11-12 at the Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave.; at 11 a.m. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. March 4 at the Museum of History & Industry, 2700 24th Ave.; and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. March 11 at the Everett PUD Auditorium, 2320 California St., Everett. All Feb. 12 performances are ASL Interpreted.

On Studio East’s mainstage, “Little Women” (Jan. 27-Feb. 5), “Monkey Magic” (Feb. 10-12) and “The Drowsy Chaperone” (March 16-31) are sure to delight.

“Little Women” is a musical based on Louisa May Alcott’s own family experiences and follows the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War America.

In celebration of the Chinese New Year, East will meet West in “Monkey Magic” – a colorful collection of Chinese folk tales dramatized in an exciting story-theatre form.

Performed in the traditional Chinese style and enhanced by mime and music from the guzheng (a Chinese plucked zither), the play-lets are linked by a beguiling monkey who uses his magical powers to aid the heroes and heroines and to defeat the villains.

And in “The Drowsy Chaperone” Studio East’s talented students will address a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts-to be entertained. It’s a great show for anyone who has ever sat in a dark theatre and thought, “Please let it be good.”

“Little Women” runs at the Studio East Mainstage Theater, 11730 118th Ave. N.E., at the following times: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27 ($15 Gala); 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 and Feb. 3-4; and 3 p.m. on Jan. 28-29 and Feb. 4-5. Tickets are $14 or $12 for youth/seniors.

“Monkey Magic” also runs at the Studio East Mainstage Theater at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10-11 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 11-12. Tickets are $14 or $12 for youth/seniors.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” will be performed on the Mainstage Theater at 7:30 p.m. March 16-17, March 23-24 and March 30-31; and at 2:30 p.m. March 17, 24 and 31. Tickets are $14 or $12 for youth/seniors.

For tickets, call 425-820-1800 or visit www.studio-east.org or www.storybooktheater.org.