For locals of a certain age, Kernersville Little Theatre’s “Bring a Book to Life” initiative might feel like a relatively new addition to the community’s cultural calendar. But the annual program has been running for more than a dozen years, or long enough for three generations of one Kernersville family to take part in bringing the magic of reading to the stage.
Love at the Kernersville Honeybee Festival
A new romantic comedy by playwright Scott Icenhower, running now through Feb. 22 at Stained Glass Playhouse in Winston-Salem.
Launched in 2014, Bring a Book to Life was created by KLT in appreciation for Kernersville Elementary School’s decades of partnership and as a creative way to encourage literacy among young audiences.
Each production is staged as one of KLT’s four annual shows, with a special early-morning performance for KES students, each of whom also receive an age-appropriate copy of the featured title.
Over the years, productions have included classics such as “Charlotte’s Web,” “The Velveteen Rabbit,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Treasure Island,” “Miracle of 34th Street,” and “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”
This year marks the 13th installment, with “The Phantom Tollbooth” debuting at James Fitzpatrick Auditorium later this month.
According to longtime KLT volunteer and past Vice President of Volunteers Beth James, one defining feature of the series is its intentional focus on all-ages casting.
“These shows are specifically chosen to include opportunities for young people to participate,” she said, noting that the format often brings entire families — like hers — into the spotlight.
Six-and-a-half-year-old William Robertson is appearing in “The Phantom Tollbooth,” his third Bring a Book to Life production already. His debut came in “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” where he performed alongside his mother, Kylie James.
William’s uncle, Ben James, has appeared in five Bring a Book to Life shows dating back to the very first production.
Beth James herself has worn many KLT hats over the years, from serving on the board to production management, and has also appeared on stage in the series. She told Scope News that the program has become a generational tradition for other local families.
The Strader family (Beth, Wayne, and daughter Laura) have also contributed both onstage and behind the scenes, including this year’s production. The Oakley family has also participated across generations, with Amanda, Michael, and their son M.G., taking on roles in past shows.
“The Phantom Tollbooth” continues the family theme. Among the young performers is Ronny Albrecht, who previously collaborated onstage with his father, KLT Board President Brian Albrecht, in 2022’s “Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars.”
Meanwhile, Donnovan and Brooklyn Platt are preparing to share the stage with Wyatt Platt assisting behind the scenes.
“The Phantom Tollbooth” opens February 27 with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. The production runs for two consecutive weekends. James Fitzpatrick Auditorium is located at 512 West Mountain Street. Click here for tickets or more information.
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