Stacey Abell
The Burlington Beacon
There’s something special about reading a book, isn’t there? Even with almost everything available at the touch of a finger, there’s no replacement for holding a creation of paper and ink in your hand and being transported to another world.
And thus, you have the spirit behind the Players Workshop Young Actors’ Production of “The Enchanted Bookshop,” under the direction of Carol Hinkle, assisted by Christine Claeys and Kaitlynn Brog, with Bill Ell serving as producer.
Spend an hour or so browsing the literary selections at A Likely Story, an establishment where beloved characters from children’s literature classics magically come to life each night. Combine the charming but struggling bookshop from “You’ve Got Mail” with the fantastical elements of “Night at the Museum” and you’ll be on the right track.
Koertlynne Korver, 13, appears in her first PW production as the enthusiastic but scatterbrained proprietor, Margie, who is accompanied by her mischievous feline companion, Bombalurina (Regina Critser, 8). Try as she might, Margie doesn’t seem to be able to compete against the allure of the ever-ubiquitous screens, and her shop is on the verge of closing.
Unbeknownst to her, the characters from her books are also aware of her dilemma and want to help. From Dorothy (Aurora Critser, 13) and Toto (Seth Hansen, 7) to Sherlock Holmes (Alexis Roessler, 14) and Robin Hood (Sean Hansen, 13), part of the fun is trying to guess who will appear onstage next.
The would-be heroes and heroines are hindered, however, by two rules given by the Book Fairy (Avery Irish, 10): never leave the building and never be seen by human eyes or be banished to the pages of their books forever!
When a mysterious customer (Allyson Hamilton, 10) stashes a stolen necklace among the shelves of books, hilarity and hijinks ensue as two bumbling smugglers (Brady Lenahan and Derrik Martin) attempt to retrieve the treasure. The characters are faced with a challenge: can they protect Margie from danger and save the bookstore without being seen?
With a script packed full of jokes, quips, puns, and gags, you’ll find your funny bone tickled and your spirits lifted after going on an adventure with this youthful cast of characters. And you might even find yourself inspired to crack open a book.
Performances of “The Enchanted Bookshop” will be held at Players Workshop Theater, 1431 Grove St., on June 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. and on June 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at www.playersworkshoptheater.com.