The moment I stepped foot into the Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater, a little less than two weeks before opening night, there was a contained chaos and buzz of excitement over a mouse named Stuart Little. Stuart Little, the endearing classic by E.B. White about a mouse born into an ordinary New York family whose adventures—both big and small— are brought vividly to life in a series of delightful scenes that make up the adventures of a mild-mannered mouse trying to survive in a “real people’s world.”
And Our Valley Events wants to send YOU! Enter to win a family four pack of tickets at the end of the post.
Dressing the Part
I started my tour of the theater in the sewing and costume room where the head costumer, Pam Anders, was busy fitting and finishing last minute details on costumes.
“Since there are a lot of animals in the show, we took a more representational approach to all the animal costumes with most of the actors wearing regular clothing but have magnificent head pieces by Troy Nixon” says Anders.
This brought a sense of relief to this mom of a child who is terrified of the giant costume clad Easter Bunny at the mall.
A Show for All Ages
Which led me to my next question of show producer Susie Shelton: What age child would you recommend attend this show?
“We have children and adults of all ages attend our shows! For those who have children 4 and under, it will depend on the child, and the parents will know if they could handle the length and intensity of a show, ” says Shelton.
For parents who are wondering and have never attended a Fantasy show Shelton says “acts are kept short and the shows at Fantasy are never more than an hour to an hour and half long and usually have a 15 minute intermission.”
The Magic Begins
As the chaos calmed the cast gathered in the “big room” and began rehearsal. Stuart Little Director, Jessica Alexander, small in stature with a commanding presence, much like Stuart himself, reminds the cast to be mindful of time spent in the costuming room because she needs everyone present to say their own lines, that they will be running the entire show start to finish.
As the run-through rehearsal began the audience meets the adorable Colby Deason who plays Stuart Little. We learn all about his family, Mr. Little played by Steven LaMar, Mrs. Little played by Elissa Robertson, and his brother George played by Andrew McCauley. We also meet the family cat, Snowbell impressively played by Michale Robinson, who just may steal the show.
I won’t spoil the fun by going into detail about the rest of the show but let’s just say this, parents you will love this show just as much as your kids will. The clever one liners kept my stomach sore from laughter.
This is one show you will not want to miss! Let the Magic Begin!
About Fantasy Playhouse
Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater works to educate and foster the interest and ability of area children in creative theater arts. You can learn more about Fantasy Playhouse here:
- Visit Fantasy Playhouse’s website
- Follow Fantasy Playhouse on Twitter
- Like Fantasy Playhouse on Facebook
- Read about past Fantasy Playhouse productions
Event Information: Stuart Little
Dates and Times:
- April 19th and 26th at 7pm
- April 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th at 1:30pm
- April 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th at 5pm
Location: Von Braun Center Playhouse
Cost: $14
Tickets: Purchase tickets through the Fantasy Playhouse website, by calling 256-539-6829, in person at the Fantasy Building Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or an hour before any show at VBC Playhouse box office.
Ticket Giveaway
Family 4 Pack of Tickets to
Stuart Little
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.