If you go
› What: Babes in Toyland.”› When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 2-3, 9-10; 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 4 and 11.› Where: Tennessee Valley Theatre, 184 W. Jackson Ave., Spring City, Tenn.› Admission: $12 adults, $10 students.› Phone: 423-365-7529 (PLAY).› Website: www.tennesseevalleytheatre.com.
More than 50 young actors from seven area schools have been cast in "Babes in Toyland" at Tennessee Valley Theatre in Spring City, Tenn.More than 50 young actors from seven area schools have been cast in the holiday production at Tennessee Valley Theatre in Spring City, Tenn. "Babes in Toyland," which takes its characters from classic nursery rhymes, will be presented over the next two weekends.
The story centers on the villainous Barnaby, who has fallen in love with sweet Mistress Mary Quite Contrary. If he can't buy her love, then he'll force her to marry him by threatening to foreclose on her mother, the poor Widow Piper. Mary already has her heart set on marrying Barnaby's nephew Alan, but not if Barnaby can help it.
He hires two bumbling ruffians to do away with Alan, but Alan returns to Mother Goose Land amid much rejoicing. Mary journeys to the mysterious Toyland through the dangerous Spider Forest. But Barnaby hasn't given up, and he herds the whole gang of Mother Goose Land characters to Toyland in pursuit of Mary. There we encounter the magical mystery of Toyland as we meet the Master Toymaker and his quirky assistants Grumio and Marmaduke.
Karen Hilleary Beck is directing the production. Musical director is Angela Garrison, and Crystal Janow is production manager.