By: Kimberley Smith
The TC Players will present their fall children’s musical “Babes in Toyland,” Dec. 7, 8 and 9. Sue McCrossen, TCC’s music theatre director, has combined the traditional story and music with Walt Disney’s movie version to produce this production for children of all ages, according to Joel Cash. This children’s theatre production is less than one hour in length and will be presented in the Humanities Sidwell Theatre the following dates: Friday, Dec. 7, at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 838-4541, ext. 362 during business hours and 832-7158 at night and on weekends. Tickets are available for $1 per child and $2 per adult, according to Cash. All proceeds go to the drama scholarship fund. The action of the story takes place in Mother Goose Village and centers mainly around the advances of Barnaby, the old miser, to Mary (of quite contrary fame). Mary’s mother, the Widow Piper, gets involved in the story due to Barnaby’s threats of throwing them out into the street if they don’t comply with his wishes to marry Mary. After a near escape in Spider Forest, the characters find themselves in Toyland where everything comes to an enchanting end.
McCrossen said, “I was five when I first heard the music. It’s probably some of the first music I ever learned.” She said “Babes in Toyland” is “still one of the most frequently performed of the Victor Herbert operettas.”
“The first performance was in 1903 in New York City by a professional company. The continuing popularity of ‘Babes’ was further helped by the Walt Disney film version starring Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands around 1960,” McCrossen said. A lot of hard work and effort has gone into the set construction and costuming, according to McCrossen.
Cash said, “Through Sue McCrossen’s adaptation and blending, we have a delightful storyline with wonderful songs. The cast and I are enjoying putting together this type of production, having just come from the drama of ‘The Diviners.’
“This production is helping all our cast get into the spirit of the holidays and we hope you will come join in our holiday spirit,” Cash said.
McCrossen said, “We feel in presenting ‘Babes’, we’re providing the community with fine family entertainment for the holiday season.”
“The show is good for children from preschool age to the young at heart,” Cash said, adding, “The dance of the toys, lots of singing and character interaction are included. We hope to see you there.”