TP Youth Presents ‘Wind in the Willows’

A talented cast of 22 local children, ranging in age from 8 to 13 is set to open a new musical tomorrow, July 30, at the Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd.   ’The Wind in The Willows’ is an updated musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 classic children’s novel in which Miss Mole leaves her underground home for fun, friends, and wild adventures in the Big World. Along the way she meets Ratty, Otter, Badger, the mean Weasel girls, the eccentric and extravagant Toad and more.   Musical director Michael Reilly has arranged and composed new music, and the play was written by local playwright Diane Grant. The family-friendly show is perfect for all ages, including kids as young as 4 or 5.   The cast includes Jonathan Amar, Olivia Busselle, Nicole Cigliano, Arielle Cohen, Veronica Ellis, Bailey Kirshner, Dani Leshgold, Niki Leshgold, Megan Lewis, Ariel Pollack, Jakob Pollack, Gigi Pressman, Reilly Pressman, Anna Reger, Katie Reinhold, Katie Scholl, Claire Suisman, Amanda Sussman, Nicole Sussman, Brendan Terry, Natalie Turgeman and Ally Walsh.   ’Creating a show from page to stage is such a unique, rewarding experience and I couldn’t be more pleased with the incredible team we have for ‘The Wind in the Willows,” said director Dorothy Dillingham Blue. ‘From Diane Grant’s thoroughly modern script and Michael Reilly’s inspiring music to the incredible performances and contributions from our cast and crew, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’   Blue has directed and choreographed several other shows for Theatre Palisades Youth, including ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes,’ ‘Annie Jr.,’ ‘Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.,’ ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘How to Eat Like a Child.’ Holly Leff-Pressman and Gina Fiore are producing.   There are seven shows over two weekends: July 30-August 1 and August 5-8, with Thursday, Fri., and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12. Reservations: call the box office at (310) 454-1970.