The Augusta Players will bring to life a new adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story of “The Velveteen Rabbit.” The story, subtitled “How Toys Become Real,” is about a worn rabbit toy that becomes real because of the love of a child.
Not only are the Augusta Players performing the story, Scott Seidl, the theater troupe’s artistic and executive director, wrote this version.
“I never read it as a child, but saw the film,” said Seidl, a prolific playwright. He enjoys the freedom being a playwright can bring when you’re also the one directing the show. Hearing an actor deliver a line he wrote might sound different than it did when he put it on paper.
“When you’re listening to them say what you put on the page, and it doesn’t really work, you can change it,” he said. “I’m happy to edit it.”
The production has a small cast whose members play a variety of roles. There are a lot of toys in the nursery. Unlike the book and other adaptations, this production has women in both the roles of the child and the rabbit. Having the small cast makes it easier to keep the cast safe in the pandemic, said Seidl.
As with other shows this season, “The Velveteen Rabbit” will be recorded and will be presented at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 13 and 2 and 7 p.m. March 14. Tickets are $20.
Seidl said adapting the stage presentations to video has gotten easier as the season progressed. There was a learning curve early on. He hopes, however, that live theater will return by the fall.
The Players have tentative plans for the 2021-2022 season and want to bring shows such as “Young Frankenstein” in September, “Elf” in December and “Something’s Rotten!” in February 2022.
To purchase tickets for “The Velveteen Rabbit,” visit THE VELVETEEN RABBIT Adapted by Scott Seidl by The Augusta Players (givelively.org)
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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