by Lorie Lewis Ham

If you have kids and you would like to introduce them to theatre, or you have kids that already love theatre, I highly recommend attending a show at the Enchanted Playhouse in Visalia. They produce shows that are great for the whole family to see together, and especially fun for kids. It’s also a great place for kids to get a taste of being in theatre.

Currently on stage at the Enchanted Playhouse is the familiar fairytale of Rumpelstiltskin. The play was written by one of the directors, Debbie Metzler, based upon the story by Brothers Grimm. The basic story is about an evil King (Russ Roberson) who decides to over tax all of his people, no matter how much of a hardship it is on them, so he can build a wall around his kingdom. We also have a group of magical characters who try to do good in the world–including a sprite named Rumpelstiltskin (Ordan Gilheany) who ends up accidentally causing trouble when he gives a magical gold coin to a miller (John Grafton-Caldwell) because he does a good dead. The coin ends up in the hands of the King and everything goes wrong. The miller’s daughter, Alice (Gracie Richardson), ends up being taken by the King because he believes she can turn things in to gold. Rumpelstiltskin does what he can to save the day.

Alice (Gracie Richardson) & Rumpelstiltskin (Ordan Gilheany)

I took my seven-year-old niece with me to the show and she loved it. Everyone did a good job, and we especially enjoyed Gracie as Alice and Ordan as Rumpelstiltskin. Ordan was filled with the energy and craziness you would expect from Rumpelstiltskin and Gracie was sweet, yet strong as Alice. My niece also really liked the Gnome (Amy McKay).

If you are looking for an outing for the family–something you can take your kids to and enjoy together–head out to Visalia and see Rumpelstiltskin. It runs until February 27 at the The Main Street Theatre, 307 E Main in Visalia. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

You can find more theatre articles, and other entertainment articles, in our Arts & Entertainment section.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.