The child actors in Greenwood Little Theatre’s production of “Curiosity Cat” take center stage and deliver.
The play, written by Chris Grabenstein, offers a funny and touching tale about displaced children and homeless cats.
Audiences attending the production, which premieres Friday at 7:30 p.m., quickly meet Curiosity, an inquisitive cat whose thirst for knowledge, in her mind, overshadows the fact that she does not have a home.
Played by Katy Peacock, Curiosity wanders into the home where Claire and Charleigh, played by Mary Grace Shiers and Avery McDaniel, are staying while their mother is sick.
Curiosity’s curious ways wreak havoc in the home, thanks in part to the assistance of Fran the dog, played by Katherine Hammons. Curiosity is soon kicked back outside to roam the neighborhood as a stray.
While ambling the streets, she meets Coot, played by Aaliyah Evans, an elderly cat with a hearing impairment who’s good for several laughs, and Slicker, played by Easton Peacock, a street-smart feral feline and cat toy peddler.
“To my way of thinking, there are no such things as strays; only those who have not yet found their homes,” says Curiosity.
She makes it her mission to find homes for her new friends.
The play features a side plot that adds a suspenseful layer to the story.
With self-proclaimed “cat catcher” Skeevelberger, played by David Dallas, and his canine sidekick Sergeant Schultz, played by Brendan Pernell, on the hunt for strays, Curiosity finds herself in a predicament.
The play, directed by Patrice Peacock and Becky Palmer, builds to a humorous and heart-warming climax, leaving the audience in laughter, followed by a round of applause.
The 26-member cast, all but three of whom are children, is spot on with comedic cues and dialogue.
The production overflows with “cuteness” from the assortment of furry critters on stage — not just cats and dogs, but mice and squirrels, too. At the same time, it conveys deeper themes about friendship, adventure and home.
Greenwood Little Theatre will also present “Curiosity Cat” on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
The show is suitable for general audiences. Reserved seating, tickets and GLT memberships are available at www.greenwoodlittletheatre.com.
The Little Theatre is encouraging patrons to bring donations to the Leflore County Humane Society when they come. A collection point will be set up in the playhouse lobby for each performance.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
