Buffalo Rising Online

Oct 3rd, 7:19am By Eli George

The Theatre of Youth’s (TOY) 37th Season is starting out with an adaptation from a book that nearly everyone read as a child: The Boxcar Children. Barbara Field modified the work by Gertrude Chandler Warner for the stage into a show that is recommended for ages 7 and up. It will chronicle the adventures of the four clever runaway siblings as they live in an abandoned boxcar.

This play will be perfect to bring your children to. The familiar story will come alive on stage, creating a cross-interest in reading and stage productions. For those too old to remember or who never read the book, the Alden children – Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny – are living in the Great Depression as orphans. They’re about to be separated into different foster homes when they run away to stay together. After eluding the authorities, they come across a boxcar, which they manage to shape into a home.

Dogged by the authorities and a mysterious stranger, the Boxcar Children is a story of rewards and perils and the importance of family. Directed by Meg Quinn, the strong cast of actors will provide an excellent foundation for the play. The eight actors are Ryan Berkun, Arlene Clement, Max Marko, Tim Newell, Kaila-Rose Proulx, Bill Schmidt, Linda Stein and Madeline Williams.

After each performance, you’ll see this cast engaging the audience in a conversation from the stage. The Interactive Talkback session runs hand-in-hand with TOY’s TASK (Theatre Arts Study for Kids) Guide. The guide is available on TOY’s website and it helps children enjoy the whole production from the play itself, to the behind-the-scenes information including photos of how the production was created.

Tickets are $19 for the front section and $17 for the back section. Opening night is Friday, October 10th at 7 PM and the show closes October 26th. Tickets can be purchased at TOY’s box office, whose hours are Tuesday through Friday, 12 PM until 5 PM and three hours prior to a performance. You can also purchase tickets by calling 884-4400 x304 and if you have any questions, you can call or send an e-mail. There are group rates available, so if you know of a class in school that you think would like to attend, call TOY for more information.

Learn more about upcoming productions here.