Algonquin actors to perform a story of child's challenges.

Byline: Sandy Meindersma

NORTHBORO - Lilly and her friends Chester, Wilson and Victor, the mice popularized in several children's stories by Kevin Henkes, will be coming to life beginning Nov. 19 in Algonquin Regional High School's annual fall production.

Put on the by the Dramahawks, the school's theater troupe, "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" is a stage adaptation of a book with the same name.

The play will be performed in the Small Performance Theater of the high school. "The intimacy of the small theater makes for a show that feels very inclusive of the audience," director Maura Morrison said.

It is the story of Lilly, who loves school and everything about it, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when she brings her purple plastic purse to school and cannot wait to show it to her friends, Mr. Slinger confiscates it. Lilly's anger causes her to take actions she later regrets, and she sets out to make things right with her beloved teacher.

"This is a family story," freshman David Bernard, who plays Lilly's classmate Hank, said. "Anybody can take from something from it."

"There are lessons a young child can learn, but it's something where a parent is not going to be bored," said sophomore Steve Tzianabos, who plays a classmate of Lilly named Carlos.

"There's a lot of humor in it," said senior Jake Sotir, who is cast as Lilly's father as well as a classmate.

Senior Meghan Doherty, one of the Dramahawks' captains, is cast as Lilly.

"It's so much fun to play Lilly," she said. "I'm kind of a little kid anyway, and now I get to play one on stage."

Senior Jordan Saglio makes his acting debut as Lilly's teacher Mr. Slinger.

"He's the perfect teacher," Jordan said. "He's very supportive of the students and corrects them in a very nice way."

Fellow Captain John Chapdelaine plays Lilly's best friend Wilson, and sophomore Alex LaFreniere is cast as Chester.

Mrs. Morrison said she has really enjoyed working with this cast.

"I've had a lot of fun with them. They get along as an ensemble, as well as off stage."

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 19-21, and there is a 2 p.m. matinee Nov. 21. .

Admission is $5 for all performances, and seating is limited. Tickets are available at the door or contact Mrs. Morrison at [e-mail].

ART: PHOTOS

CUTLINE: (1) John Chapdelaine adjusts mouse ears for Malia Lavin at a recent play rehearsal. (2) Mouse ears abound in a mouse tale, "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse," opening Nov. 19 at Algonquin Regional High School with cast members including, from left, Wil Hsie, Steve Tzianabos and Meghan Doherty, performing as Lilly and her friends. (3) Director Maura Morrison discusses the show during a rehearsal in the high school's small theater. (4) Meghan Doherty plays Lilly, who learns to deal with her mistake in "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse," based on a children's book.

PHOTOG: T&G Staff Photos/CHRISTINE PETERSON