Velveteen Rabbit debuts
The kids novel comes to life as actors perform a literary classic on stage
The beloved childhood classic of “The Velveteen Rabbit” has made a leap from the pages of its books to center stage at Liberty’s Tower Theater. The Alluvion Stage Company and Liberty University Theater Arts Department have collaborated to bring to life the story of the Velveteen Rabbit and all his friends in a toe-tapping, heart-warming musical.
Duties — The five-person cast works as the stage crew, transitions between scenes, sings and acts. Photo credit: Leah Seavers
Although the Velveteen Rabbit is not a battery charged toy and does not have bells and whistles like the new toy boat who has appeared in the life of Steve, his boy, Velveteen learns that through the power of “toy magic” he can be the best friend his Steve has ever had.
Under the direction of Scott Hayes, associate dean of the school of communication & creative arts, Margery Williams’ classic story of “The Velveteen Rabbit” is the first Theater for Young Audience (TYA) to ever be performed at Liberty.
“This has been a very unique experience,” Hayes said. “When we cast the show, we picked these actors not only because they are talented, but because we knew they would be able to make this story entertaining for an audience of mainly children.”
The five actors in this musical do not only act and sing, but they are the stage crew as well, making all stage changes between scenes.
“One of my favorite things about directing this show is seeing the cohesiveness of this group,” Hayes said. “Though this was challenging bringing the show together in a little over two weeks, it really bonded our cast.”
In addition to their performances at the Tower Theater, the cast of “The Velveteen Rabbit” has performed two free shows for local elementary schools.
Michael Brennan, a senior in the theater arts performance department appearing in his 10th show at Liberty, plays the role of the lovable Velveteen Rabbit.
“Performing for a TYA show has some similar aspects yet some very different elements from a show aimed for older audiences,” Brennan said. “The process is the same with rehearsing and developing characters. However, there is a different energy with a TYA show. The goal is to entertain children for a solid hour, (and)that is a process all in itself.”
The Velveteen Rabbit is being performed at the Academy of Fine Arts Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at academyfinearts.com.
HUmphreys is a feature reporter.