There is nothing quite like charming anthropomorphized small mammals to make your day.
Thanks to the Scottish author Kenneth Grahame and his book, “The Wind in the Willows,” a life of adventure on and along the river was revealed through the endearing antics of the characters Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad when the book was published in America in 1908.
The Whidbey Children’s Theater adult troupe, Stories on Stage, will treat audiences to a musical production of “The Wind in the Willows” from Friday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 4 on the theater’s Martha Murphy Mainstage.
It’s springtime, and curious Mole, bored with housework, leaves his molehill to explore the world. At the riverbank he meets Ratty, a laid-back water rat.
The two become fast friends and Ratty introduces Mole to the exuberant Toad, a creature with a penchant for extravagant hobbies. When Toad becomes obsessed with motorcars, his increasingly wild driving causes concern for Ratty and Mole, and they enlist the help of wise Badger.
Stories on Stage takes audiences on a journey with these lovable characters into the Wild Wood and all points beyond in this musical adaptation of Grahame’s novel. The two-act musical is suitable for all ages and includes a bit of audience participation meant to engage youngsters.
The show is directed by Martha Murphy, with musical direction by Katie Woodzick and features Max Cole-Takanikos, Jill Johnson, Kent Junge, Rob Harrison, Murphy and Woodzick.
Period costumes of 1910 are created by Valerie Johnson. The colorfully designed sets by Jodi Cable, Harrison and Murphy reflect the original drawings from the first edition of the book.
The 12 performances include three reduced-price family shows. A curriculum guide is available through the WCT office for parents and teachers.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 18 to Oct. 3, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 19 to Oct. 4. Family shows are 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 26 and Oct. 3.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors and $7 all seats for the family shows.
Call the box office for tickets at 221-2282 or the administrative office at 221-8707 for guide info.
