Youths dive into a world of words

‘Phantom Tollbooth’

Presented by Olympic Theatre Arts Children’s Theatre, written by Susan Nanus, based on the book by Norton Juster

When: 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays, Aug. 31-Sept. 9

Where: Olympic Theatre Arts, 414 N. Sequim Ave.

Tickets: $12 for public, $10 OTA members; available at olympictheatrearts.org or call the box office open 1-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, 360-683-7326

Youths are taking over the stage at Olympic Theatre Arts for the upcoming production of “Phantom Tollbooth.”

Presented by OTA’s Children’s Theatre and directed by Bonne Smith, the show was written by Susan Nanus and based on the book “Every Word Counts” by Norton Juster.

The show runs from Friday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 9 at Olympic Theatre Arts, 414 N. Sequim Ave.

“Phantom Tollbooth” is a comical show written in the 1960s looking at how words and language change over time.

The story follows Milo (Kaylin Gauble), a young person with a distaste for confronting personal dilemmas, who becomes curious after a tollbooth appears in the bedroom. Milo then ventures on a journey through The Lands Beyond, where the cast explores the Doldrums, crosses the Sea of Knowledge, follows the road to Digitopolis and more on a shifting set created by David Willis.

Actress Kaylin Gauble, 12, said the role of Milo is a new experience for her.

“This is the biggest part I’ve ever done,” Gauble said.

Gauble said while she has about 296 lines to memorize she’s had a lot of fun with her character and sharing the stage with her friends.

There are more than 35 characters in the show with several actors playing multiple parts. The costumes designed for each character were created by 13-year-old Amélie Mantchev, who acts as “Tock,” the watch dog.

Mantchev said she has been involved in theater for many years, including OTA’s Children’s Theatre for four years, and enjoys designing costumes for cosplay. She said the costumes follow a steam punk theme (think “Mad Max: Fury Road”) and she has enjoyed seeing her work come together as the production draws closer to its premiere date.

“This story is about words, definitions, and the power of language,” Smith, the director, said.

“As the story unfolded, the actors embraced their characters with flair, fits and spark. They really enjoyed the word battles.”

The following actors cast in the show include: Kai Snook, Emily McAiley, Abby Sanford, Emily Loucks, Grayce Houle, Julia Jeffers, Kenzi Camp, Solas McGruther, Ruby Coulson, Ava Fuller, Roland Mabrey, Ava Welch, Chloe Welch, Isaac Freeman, Justice Johnson, Seth Larson, Ashton Drew and Addison Drew.

For more information about Olympic Theatre Arts or to buy tickets, visit http://olympictheatrearts.org/OTA/

Olympic Theatre Arts’ comical show “Phantom Tollbooth” features more than 35 characters with many actors playing several parts. Amelie Mantchev, left, cast as “Tock,” with Kaylin Gauble, cast as “Milo,” and Ashton Drew as the “Mathemagician,” act out a scene from the upcoming production.

Olympic Theatre Arts’ comical show “Phantom Tollbooth” features more than 35 characters with many actors playing several parts. Amelie Mantchev, left, cast as “Tock,” with Kaylin Gauble, cast as “Milo,” and Ashton Drew as the “Mathemagician,” act out a scene from the upcoming production.