Wind in the Willows

The Catawba College play The Wind in the Willows is featured on the cover of this week's TimeOut!

Appearing in 'The Wind in the Willows' are Meghan McLaughlin as Badger, Caitlin Becka as Chief Weasel, Ryan Glidewell as Toad, Carrie Harris as Mole, and Jesse Sink as Rat. Photo by Kaylee Johnson.

The Wind in the Willows at Catawba.

Theatergoers of all ages will delight in Catawba College's upcoming production of "The Wind in the Willows" which plays in Catawba College's Hedrick Theatre Feb. 9-13.

Alan Bennett's fun adaptation of Kenneth Graham's classic tale will transport audiences to a timeless, magical world full of adventure, symbolism, and camaraderie. Come watch as Mole, Rat, Badger, and Mr. Toad travel the open road, the riverside, and the ominous Wild Wood. You will see Toad Hall in peril, the Weasels on a tear, and Toad in another craze. Can the comrades save Toad Hall?

Directed by Catawba Theatre Arts Chair and Professor Christopher Zink, the production promises to stretch imaginations. Costumes will help blur the boundaries between the human actors and the creatures found in "The Wind in the Willows."

"Our production uses costumes that tie the animals from Graham's book to one of Kenneth Graham's fascinations, stuffed animals," Zink explains. "The set consists of a large book as the central backing with pages that turn to reveal the locations for each scene.

"The world of the play spills out on to the stage and into the hearts of the audience. The action incorporates elements of English Pantomime with stylized movement to create a fun-filled experience for audiences aged 8 to 80."

Cast members include Ryan Glidewell as Toad; Jesse Siak as Rat; Caitlin Becka as Chief Weasel; Carrie Harris as Mole; Meghan McLaughlin as Badger; Donna Steele and Yolanda McClure as Albert the Horse; and Amber McCleerey as Weasel Normal.

Cast members with multiple roles in the ensemble include Jered Shults, Vaughn Pollman, Jeffrey Salerno, Katie Haeuser, Gabrielle Bressi, Julie Dean, John Millbank, and Jaclyn Lawrence.

Crew members include Zack Lynch, assistant director; C.M. Garrison, stage manager; Mackenzie Westbrook, assistant stage managers; Kaylee Johnson, props master and publicity photographer; Jamie Caputo, lead props; Leah Caddigan, Rayshaun Sandlin, and Katie Carpenter, props running crew; Danielle Smith, props crew member, set prep crew member and lead hair and makeup; Shana Locklair, assistant hair and makeup design; Kara Procell and Kylie Beinke, second hand (costumes); Tatianna Long, lead carpenter and costume construction; Collette Riddle, dresser; Brianna Markle, wardrobe; Caitlin Springs and Jesse Siak, dramaturge; Michael Stone, lead electrician; Quinn McRae, master electrician; Allen Jones, scenic designer; Cassie Bell, lead scenic; Ka'Shara Davis, paint crew; and Autumn Hamilton, sound board operator.

"The Wind in the Willows" plays at 6:55 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9 through Saturday, Feb. 13, with a 1:55 p.m. matinee also offered on Saturday, Feb. 13.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for senior citizens and non-Catawba students, including all children, and a $7 group rate is also available. For more details, contact the Catawba College Theater Box Office at 704-637-4481. You can also buy your tickets online at http://www.showtix4u.com.