SHEFFIELD – The Ritz Theatre is hosting two public performances of the play Stuart Little on Saturday, March 11 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The play is a production of Time Out for Theatre, the Ritz’s children’s theatre program. Tickets are $10 each and are available at tennesseevalleyarts.org.
The play—written by Joseph Robinette and directed by Laura Connolly and Andrew Maples—is based on the classic E.B. White book. The story follows a mouse named Stuart Little, who is born into an ordinary New York family. The many adventures—both big and small—of Stuart Little are brought vividly to life in a series of delightful scenes, depicting the marvelous maneuverings of a mild-mannered mouse trying to survive in a “real people’s world.”
Charlotte’s Web, which has the same original author and playwright, has traditionally been Time Out for Theatre’s spring show. Stuart Little was the perfect way to share a different story while ensuring a great experience for the cast and audience.
“E.B. White’s classics are a hit with children at The Ritz,” says Christi Britten, the executive director of the Tennessee Valley Art Association, which operates The Ritz. “Charlotte’s Web was in the spotlight for many years, and now it is time for that lovable little mouse Stuart to shine.”
For Leslie Sawyer and her sons Jackson and John Thomas, community theatre is a family affair. Leslie is working as stage manager on Stuart Little, and her boys play multiple roles in the cast.
“ The best part of being involved in theatre with my family is watching them grow in their ability and make new friends,” says Leslie. “My sons enjoy how their roles become very helpful to Stuart in the story and play a part in driving the show forwards.”
The cast of children and adults have been hard at work in rehearsals, preparing for a week of field trip performances and the two public performances.
Leslie Sawyer looks forward to audiences seeing the end result of all that work.
“Stuart Little is an excellent show for kids and adults of all ages,” says Sawyer. “It’s great for families to see together because it tells a story of kindness, adventure and bravery. It will have audiences laughing and leaving with a smile.”
Families are encouraged to purchase tickets for the public shows in advance to ensure their seats.
For tickets or for more information about the Tennessee Valley Art Association, which runs the Ritz Theatre and the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, call 256-383-0533 or visit tennesseevalleyarts.org
