The poetry of A.A. Milne comes to life in the musical "Winnie the Pooh," the current production for Stained Glass Theatre in Jefferson City.
This is a series of vignettes about all of the characters in the beloved story and their fear of a large animal invading their forest.
Aaron Talbert has the role of Tigger; Troy D. Ludwig is Winnie; Evan Backues plays Rabbit; Alyssa Henry plays Piglet; and Seastian Neeley plays Owl.
The rest of the cast includes: Clarissa Chisham as Cindy Squirrel; Hannah Dolan as Kanga; Gracie Gearheart as Roc; Zane Henderson as Christopher; Ava Hunt as Penny Skunk; Peyton Randolph as Jack Rabbit; and Kendal Randolph as Jill Rabbit.
The show is co-directed by husband-and-wife team Roger and DeAnn Martin. Roger is handling blocking and characters and DeAnn is working on technical and production aspects.
According to Roger, the show follows the original characters and poetry of Milne.
"The smaller cast in the summer months is very nice," Roger said.
Technically it is a very simple show. Costumes were designed and created by Roger Martin and they are building lots of trees to fill the set. Mike Harvey is in charge of construction.
According to Martin, it is a fanciful show.
"The whole play is Christopher Robin's imagination," Martin said.
He said the show is very much in line with the Christian ideals the theater stands for. It is about loving your neighbor and supporting him or her.
"Our rehearsal schedule has been rather heavy. We auditioned in May and rehearse three nights per week and one Saturday a month. We have had to make allowances for vacations and summer activities but it has worked well," Martin said.
Martin said a special thanks goes to Traci Mobley and her son Harrison, who are handling lights and spots.
Maribeth Russell is the pianist who recorded the musical track for the show.
"This is most definitely a family show and we encourage the public to make a family evening of coming to see the play," Martin said.
At a glance
What: "Winnie the Pooh," presented by Stained Glass Theatre.
When: July 23-25; July 30-Aug. 1 and Aug 6-8; 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays.
Where: 830 E. High St. in Jefferson City.
Tickets: 573-634-5313, www.sgtmidmo.org