'Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse' is full of lessons for children

Children can learn a lot from mice.

For example, it is important to show respect for others and take responsibility for your actions.

The mice in the play "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" teach those lessons and more in an enjoyable fashion.

The show opens Friday at the Springer Opera House, the latest production of the Springer Children's Theatre.

Performances will be in the McClure Theatre, the Springer's second theatre on First Avenue. "A Chorus Line" is still being performed this weekend on the Springer's main stage.

"Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" is one of Kevin Henkes' most popular books.

Henkes has written and illustrated more than 45 works. He won the Caldecott Medal in 2005 for his book, "Kitten's First Full Moon." The award is presented by the Association for Library Service to Children to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

Kevin Kling adapted "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" for the stage, using material from two other Henkes books, "Chester's Way" and "Julius, the Baby of the World."

A news release from the Springer quotes a USA Today writer calling Lilly one of the great female characters in literature, "Like Anna Karenina with whiskers or Scarlett O'Hara with paws."

Lilly is a mouse who knows what she likes. She likes her pointy pencils, her glittery movie star glasses and her three shiny quarters.

But most of all, Lilly likes her brand new plastic purple purse.

Along with her friends Chester, Wilson and her beloved teacher Mr. Slinger, Lilly finds endless adventures fueled by her delightfully oversized imagination.

When are the shows?

There are shows at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 9-10 and Oct. 16-17. There are also Sunday shows at 2 p.m. on Oct. 11 and Oct. 18. There are also shows for school and home-schooled groups at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Oct. 8-9 and Oct. 14-16. To schedule a group for one of those performances, call 706-324-1100.

What is the cost?

Tickets are $7 for Springer Theatre Academy members, $9 for children and students and $13 for adults.

When is the box office open?

The box office is on 10th Street and is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and one hour before the show.

Where can I get more information?

Call 706-327-3688 or visit springeroperahouse.org.

Will older children enjoy the show?

They may, but it is aimed toward the elementary school crowd.

This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 5:59 PM with the headline "'Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse' is full of lessons for children ."