Journey across the stars in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’

Madeline L’Engle’s 1962 children’s novel “A Wrinkle in Time” is characterized by an interstellar storyline and populated by otherworldly beings. But the James Sie stage adaptation that the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s Youth Theatre will present remains a heartwarming tale with fundamental themes of empowering young people and helping them find their self-worth.

The CTC and director Scott Dunlap take on this challenging adaption of the novel with a cast of 14 young actors and three adults for performances Nov. 3-11.

Young heroine Meg is the quintessential square peg, a middle-school math whiz and self-declared oddball with a short temper. Her teachers and classmates see her as troublesome and stubborn. Her family sees her as immature, but capable of doing great things.

When Meg and her telepathic little brother, Charles Wallace, set off to find their missing father, they’re catapulted across time and space to a world where being different isn’t just an annoyance, it can cost you your life.

Three celestial beings – Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which – appear with a promise to help rescue the children’s father from the monstrous darkness that threatens the universe. Meg will undergo all kinds of tests of her character and fortitude to battle the forces of evil, save the universe and put her family back together.

Alternating in the role of Meg are Hayley Lewis and Sarah Rad. Paul Knotts and Carter McKissick share the role of Charles Murray. Calvin is portrayed by Johnathan Adams and J.T. Loden.

The cast also includes Alexis Christensen, Gracie Hawkins, Annabelle Hill, Joanna Lewis, Alex Loyd, Megan McGarvey, Stefanie Oppenheimer, Ian Parten, Maya Scribner, Lennon Shuff and Chris Williamson.

The Pop-Up Project, a performing arts group in residence at the CTC, choreographed the Tesseract, a portal through space and time.

This show is appropriate for students in fourth grade and up.

For more information: 423-267-8538.