Children bring "Willows' to life

July 19, 2012 at 4:29 a.m. | Updated July 19, 2012 at 4:29 a.m.

Marley (Valerie Holt), Ribby (Zane Henderson) and Jamie Packrat (Alyssa Wills) meet up with Willie Weasel (Davis Heninger) during Stained Glass Theatre's rehearsal of Wind in the Willows.
Marley (Valerie Holt), Ribby (Zane Henderson) and Jamie Packrat (Alyssa Wills) meet up with Willie Weasel (Davis Heninger) during Stained Glass Theatre's rehearsal of Wind in the Willows.

Overalls and plaid shirts, boots and straw hats - "The Wind in the Willows" critters have the appearance of people.

With face paint and a few species-specific costume pieces, the 28 children ages 6-17 will bring the woodlands to life from furry main characters to dancing trees and butterflies.

The Stained Glass Theatre of Mid-Missouri stage has been covered with grasses, trees and a pond, complete with a working canoe.

Audiences may see the C. Edward Wheaton adaptation directed by Roger Martin starting today and ending Aug. 4. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at 830 E. High St.

""Wind in the Willows' is about animals who are more like people than people," Martin said. "The kids do so well to bring the animals to life."

The classic children's story follows the impetuous Thaddeus Toad as he learns to moderate his selfish impulses. It also reveals Marley the Mole's emergence from a fear of everything.

"Both learn to live their dreams without hurting others," Martin said.

Tickets are $7 on Thursdays and $8 on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, call (573) 634-5313, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.sgtmidmo.org.

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