Six classic literary characters will move from page to stage when Kidz Theater presents “The Enchanted Bookshop” at 6 p.m. Nov. 6 and 2 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Tinley Park Performing Arts Center.
Produced by Covered Bridge Playhouse, “The Enchanted Bookshop” visits bookworm Margie and her struggling store.
“At night all the book characters from the books come alive, and they have to work together to help save the bookshop from thieves,” said Rebecca Grzeslo, executive director of Covered Bridge Playhouse. “This show is exciting and will feature some of your favorite book characters.”
Ranging from 5 to 11 years old, 15 kids make up the cast.
“We have been working since early September to put the show together,” Grzeslo said. “Our rehearsals have not only been practicing the play but also learning about different aspects of theater.”
The half-dozen famed book characters who will take stage include Tom Sawyer, Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Pollyanna, Heidi and Sherlock Holmes.
“These kids have done an outstanding job tackling these characters,” Grzeslo said. “Each kid has taken their characters and interpreted their personality in fun and interesting ways.”
And there’s many theatrical lessons for the young actors during the process.
“The biggest challenges that we have come across so far is learning lines and remembering blocking,” Grzeslo said. “In the show there are a lot of big roles and a lot of exciting events — that can be challenging especially when the kids are little, but they have been doing a great job taking on the challenges and working hard to pull the play together.”
The students certainly have plenty of enthusiasm.
“My favorite thing about the cast would be the energy the kids have,” Grzeslo said. “Every rehearsal they come in loud and exited to be onstage and practice their scenes.”
They’ve also forged friendships.
“I also love how quickly the cast bonded and became friends with each other,” Grzeslo said. “We are a family.”
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As intended, the program provides some solid stage experience.
“I hope these kids learn that hard work pays off from this show,” she said. “They have worked hard since Day 1, and I know that will show in their performance and hopefully make them fall in love with being on stage.”
For many of the young actors, this is the first play they’ve ever been in.
“I want the audience to walk away proud of what these kids are capable of doing,” Grzeslo said. “This show was not an easy show for them to do, and I know for a fact they will reflect their months of hard work in their performance. I hope they audience will be proud of the kids because I know I am.”
Kidz Theater presents ‘The Enchanted Bookshop’
When: 6 p.m. Nov. 6 and 2 p.m. Nov. 7
Where: Tinley Park Performing Arts Center, 16801 80th Ave.
Tickets: $8
Information: 708-342-4200; tinleyparkdistrict.org/calendar-of-events
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.