One of the most endearing – and naughty – heroes of children’s literature hops from the page to the stage as the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s Youth Theatre presents Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” March 29 through April 7.
Under the direction of Scott Dunlap, Youth Theatre director, 28 young actors will bring the classic story to life in a faithful stage adaptation of Potter’s 1902 book.
If you go
› What: “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”› Where: Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.› When: 7 p.m. March 29-30; 2:30 p.m. March 31 and April 6-7.› Admission: $10› For more information: 423-267-8534
The drama centers on mischievous Peter Rabbit, whose disobedience leads to trouble. The story combines humor and adventure that will delight young audiences while also delivering a moral lesson.
As the tale begins, Peter Rabbit, far more adventurous than sisters Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail, is following the advice of his tummy instead of his mother. Everyone knows to stay out of Mr. McGregor’s garden, but Peter and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny (adopted by this adaptation from another Potter book), squeeze under the garden gate and venture into a world filled with excitement, adventure and scrumptious vegetables.
Audiences will meet other characters such as Caw and Kem, two silly crows who know that a picket fence could never stop a bird; easygoing Cat, just waiting around the garden for her own meal; and, of course, Mr. McGregor, the mean, befuddled farmer, who is willing to go to great lengths to protect his garden.
Ultimately, the angry farmer chases the terrified young rabbits around the garden until they finally locate the gate and return home frightened but a little wiser.
This show has been double-cast. The casts will perform on alternate days. Charlie Clevenger and Bec Fitzsimmons will share the role of Peter Rabbit.
The casts also include Jaimie Abbott, Riley Brown, Kailey Buttry, Audrey DeCredico, James Derrick, Lucas Gregg, Elise Hall, Cole Hayes, Tytus Hayes, Zachary Huseman, Claire James, Emily James, Emily Johnson, Paul Knotts, Hunter Landreth, Brady Lewis, Lilly Lewis, Megan McGarvey, Ella McGinness, Tilleigh Nazor-Comer, Bennett Russak, Jaelyn Sanders, Autumn Schulmeister, Zachary Schulmeister, Kamaya Sutton and Lanie Wright.
Ella Hogue and Olivia Kelly are the stage managers.
School performances are scheduled during the week of April 1. This show is appropriate for kindergartners and older.
For tickets or more information: 423-267-8534.