PARISHVILLE - Members of the Parishville-Hopkinton Central School Follies will be bringing seven classic children’s tales to life this weekend as they present The Book Revue Friday and Saturday in the Parishville-Hopkinton Central School auditorium.

The Book Revue, written by Marianne Ralbovsky, tells the story of a young girl named Madelynn, who is new in town and lonely as she hasn’t yet made any new friends. That is until she befriends a friendly librarian who shares several stories with her, letting her know everyone has friends inside the pages of a good book.

The musical includes songs and scenes from eight classic stories, including “The Jungle Book,” “Oliver Twist,” “Cinderella,” “Where The Wild Things Are,” “The Secret Garden,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Little Mermaid” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

“These performers have worked very hard since December,” said Andrea Ellison, who is one of four adults helping to direct the play. She’s joined in directing the cast by Pamela Todd, Jennifer Blevins and Don Cannamela.

Given that the musical includes scenes from eight different stories that means there are plenty of characters to be played, with many cast members playing multiple roles.

And many of the cast members said that was something about this year’s show that they really enjoyed.

“I enjoy that there are different stories from different books,” according to Makayla Sharlow, a junior, whose roles include Cinderella.

She also said that while this isn’t her first time in the school’s musical, with so many stories this year’s play is different.

“I’ve done it (been in drama club) the past three years, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” she said.

Eighth-grader Shay-Lynn Guyette’s roles include Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother,a role that she said she was thrilled to play.

“I’ve liked Cinderella every since I was a little girl,” she said. “I’ve always liked to be called princess.”

Michael Burns, a junior, also plays several roles, including King Louis in “The Jungle Book,” Jack in “Where The Wild Things Are,” and Archibald in “The Secret Garden.”

“I’ve been associated with it (drama club) for two years. I like to sing and act,” he said, adding he is also really enjoying this year’s production.

“I like that it’s many different stories all made into one and that someone local wrote it,” he said.

Allaina Zellweger, a seventh grader, said she likes singing, but also enjoys the format of this year’s play, as many stories means many costumes.

“I like all of the different costumes,” she said, noting her roles include Scuttle, a seagull from “The Little Mermaid.”

The cast includes students in grades four through 12 and Ms. Ellison said this year’s show is definitely one that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

“Children will love this show,” she said. “A lot of people aren’t sure if the high school plays are good for kids, but they will love this show.”

In addition to a large cast and stage crew made up entirely of students, Ms. Ellison also said that this year’s sets were made by students in the art classes of Miranda Brosell and Ray Whalen.

Cast members include: Mike Burns, Colin Myers, David Eames, Shawntel Courtney, Bailey Reed, Tanner Wilson, Nicole Ellis, Alaina Zellweger, Makayla Sharlow, Hannah Hannon, Nicole White, Kayla Myers, Shay Guyette, Olivia Collins, Becca Mitchell, Jayce Shantie, Alison Parker, Anise Sago, Emma Snell, Erica Sloan, Hannah Butterfield, Nick Phippen, Alex Anderson, Jacob Fisher, Brenna Woods, Sydnie Phippen, Brynne Reid and Daisy Leibfred.

Stage crew includes: Kodie Perkins, Brianna Hayes, Shauna Wheeler, Kelsey Charleson, Caitlin McGregor, Emily Sloan, Kinsey Paradis, Eric Hannon, Connor Sullivan and Ethan Cox.

The Follies will offer two performances of The Book Revue at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets, which will be available at the door, are $7 for adults and $5 for children or seniors.

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