Wolfpack Theatre brings 'Velveteen Rabbit' to local stage

The Wolfpack Theatre Company will recount the heartwarming tale of unconditional love between a boy and his toy bunny in “The Velveteen Rabbit,” presented at 6:33 p.m. on May 11 and 12 in the Wolfpack Theatre at Glacier High School. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children, students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at the GHS Main Office, Photo Video Plus and at the door.

More than anything, the velveteen rabbit wants to be a real rabbit. One night, the Toy Fairy offers him his chance, but only if he leaves with her immediately. But the boy, who is ill with scarlet fever, will die without him.

Will the velveteen rabbit go with the Toy Fairy, or will his love for the boy cause him to turn his back on the thing he wants most?

“‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ is about love and being different. It highlights the power of love and the impact it has on others. With it, you are able to conquer fears and find strength. It also emphasizes the importance of originality,” said Delaney Wilson, student director and GHS senior. “This is a show for everyone. Each person can be impacted by the themes and learn something from the production.”

The velveteen rabbit is joined in nursery by a wind-up mouse, a perennially dust-covered patchwork dog, a sneezy, yarn-trimmed lion and a wise-but-worn old skin horse who had entertained Alex’s father when he was a boy. Initially suspicious and jealous of the new plaything, they eventually explain the rules of nursery life and ultimately work together to save the boy.

“Every character is important. Perhaps one role is bigger than another, but the story would not be as beautiful as it is without each character contributing,”said Wilson.

These unique characters combine with a dynamic set full of motion and life. Toys that pop out from surprising locations and nooks add a special magic to show.

Margery Williams’ beloved 1922 children’s tale is faithfully told and carefully crafted for the stage by Phil Grecian with all the tenderness and magic of the original story.

This production of “The Velveteen Rabbit” is presented by the Acting 4 class at Glacier High School under the supervision of class instructor Greg Adkins. In Acting 4, class members are required to select, cast and produce a full-length play in six weeks. Wilson was voted to direct the show by her classmates.

“Taking on the role of director was nerve-wrecking, to say the least,” she said. “You have so many ideas floating around in your head and then you have to try and make them come to life. I don’t think that I would be able to do my job if it weren’t for my cast and all the hard work they put into the production. They each shine in their assigned roles and make their characters unique.”