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Youth theater visits library
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Mrs. McGregor, played by Molly Galano of Boardman, confronts Peter Rabbit, portrayed by Donny Wolford of Greenford, during a production of “Miss Beatrix Potter Presents Peter Rabbit” at the Poland branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.
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At right, Brooke Dougherty of Edinburg, Pa., puts up rabbit ears with the rest of the audience to hide Peter during Thursday’s performance by the Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theater.
By Ashley Luthern
POLAND
About 70 people hopped into the Poland Library for the final showing of “Miss Beatrix Potter Presents Peter Rabbit.”
The Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theater had six performances at public library branches in Mahoning County.
The plot centered on a mischievous Peter Rabbit, played by 11-year-old Donny Wolford, and his attempts to sneak nibbles of lettuce and other veggies in his neighbor’s garden.
“It was an interesting role because he breaks the rules,” Donny said Thursday.
Lauren Cline, 10, of Howland, played Beatrix Potter and Mopsy, one of Peter Rabbit’s sisters.
“I like being someone I wasn’t,” Lauren said. “She’s a neat freak and a goody-goody, and I’m not. I’m definitely not a rabbit, either.”
Miranda Canacci played Peter’s older sister, Cottontail, and said her “self-absorbed” character was fun to play.
The neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. McGregor, portrayed by Dave Wolford of Greenford, Donny’s father, and Molly Galano of Boardman, garnered howls of laughter from the audience for their antics trying to catch the crafty Peter Rabbit.
“These youth productions are just huge fun working with the young actors,” Galano said. “You get an immediate reaction from the crowd.”
Max Hemmis, 6, and his mom Paige Hemmis of Edinburg, Pa., were in the audience.
“We belong to the summer reading program and have for four years,” Paige Hemmis said. “It was a very nice play, and we have Peter Rabbit books at home.”
Max had a colorful temporary tattoo on his arm that simply said “READ.”
At one point, Max and the other children in the audience put up rabbit ears so that Peter Rabbit could blend in among them — putting a stop to Mr. McGregor who was “hot on the trail of a bunny burglar!”
“Miss Beatrix Potter Presents Peter Rabbit” was part of the summer reading program, which continues until Aug. 31. For more information or to sign up for the program, visit any library branch.