By Siera Schubach, Staff Writer

Published in print Nov.14 ,2014

“There was once a velveteen rabbit…”

So begins Margery William’s classic children’s story about a child’s toy rabbit who is brought to life. In the same way the story’s fairy turns the toy into a real rabbit, UNCG’s Theatre Department has brought the story to life via the stage.

Adapted by Janet Allard and directed by UNCG professor Rachel Briley, The Velveteen Rabbit is the next show in the UNCG 2014-2015 Theatre season. Part of the North Carolina Theatre for Young People, this production is specially geared towards younger audiences. However, that doesn’t mean older people won’t enjoy it. If it is anything like the book, it will have enough charm to win over even the most cynical adult.

The velveteen rabbit will look very different from his portrayal in the story. Instead of a inanimate rabbit, Torrey Belcher (last week’s featured UNCG Artist) will be playing the furry protagonist. How this will unfold on stage is an intriguing question. Best friend to the Rabbit is The Boy, played by Alex Cioffi. The rest of the cast includes a fairy and a host of talking toys.

Delightful and deep, The Velveteen Rabbit has great potential to be a heart-warming production, just what one needs on these chilly autumn nights.

The Velveteen Rabbit runs November 13th through the 23rd. Tickets are available at the theatre box office in room 115 of the Brown Building. Prices range from $16 for adults, $11 for children and seniors and $8 for UNCG students. Play Guides are also available at each showing that include fun activities related to the show, perfect for younger audiences.

For more information visit performingarts.uncg.edu/events/theatre-season. And be sure to pick up next week’s paper for a full review of the show.