Cast announced for The Velveteen Rabbit

LUDINGTON – The Lakeside Civic Players is currently producing, “The Velveteen Rabbit,” which will play at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts on November 30 at 7 p.m., December 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.

The Velveteen Rabbit, written in 1922 by Margery Williams, with its pure and simple message about the power of love and friendship is a classic example of why good children’s literature is able to withstand the test of time.  The story is as relevant to audiences today as it must have been to children and adults alike back in the early 1900s.  Playwright James Still has taken Ms. Williams best loved book and adapted it for the stage in the form of a memory play, packed with plenty of excitement and the heart of the original story.

In this production, Older Steve (John Reed) recounts a time in his youth when he bonded with a special toy, the velveteen rabbit (Danae McKerchie).  In the role of younger Steve, the Lakeside Civic Players welcomes Ludington third grader, Ian VanHouten. West Shore Community College student Ian Britz will play the role of Ben, Steve’s somewhat reluctant older brother.

Playing the lovable and wise Rocking Horse will be Margretta Dumas.  Dumas will also be working on costume design.  Marguerite Arbogast and WSCC student, Katie Menger, will be wheeling around the stage, menacing the Velveteen Rabbit in the roles of the Boat and the Train.  LCP officer, Kathy Hansen, will be making her first appearance in an LCP show in the role of the Magic Fairy.  Rounding out the cast are local elementary school students Madeline Cooper, Lille Cunic, Lesleigh Hiltz, Hannah Persson, Mackenzie Reed, Morgan Reed, Sadie Rose and Kassidy Southern playing wild rabbits and little fairies.

Director is Michelle Kiessel, John Gerts will be designing the set and special effects, Adam Knudsen designing lighting, LCP Artistic Director, Josh Thomas, designing sound and Margretta Dumas/John Gerts designing costumes.

Early reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Ludington Area Center for the Arts at (231) 845-2787.  Ticket prices for adults are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.  Tickets for children 12 and under are $5.  The show is recommended for children and adults aged 3 and up! The show will run just under one hour with no intermission

The 2012/2013 season continues with:

• Rent: February 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
• Baby with the Bathwater: April 12, 13, 19, 20, 21