Towngate Theatre’s production of “Snow Company,” based on the book by West Virginia’s Poet Laureate Marc Harshman, will be staged May 31-June 2 in three area locations:  at 7 p.m. May 31 at Lincoln Theatre in New Martinsville; 3 p.m. June 1 at St. Clairsville Middle School, and 3 p.m. June 2 at Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre. Set in a country home, this delightful tale takes place during the worst snowstorm in 20 years. Pictured from left are cast members Rick Call, Isa Campbell, Sue Beth Warren, Tim Thompson, Krsangi Dove, and Timberly Robinson.

Families can treat themselves to an entertaining theater experience by attending Towngate Theatre’s production of “Snow Company,” based on the book by West Virginia’s Poet Laureate Marc Harshman.

This family-friendly production will be staged May 31-June 2 in three area locations: at 7 p.m. May 31 at Lincoln Theatre in New Martinsville; 3 p.m. June 1 at St. Clairsville Middle School; and 3 p.m. June 2 at Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre.

Adapted for the stage by Kate Crosbie and Tim Thompson, this delightful tale is set in the country home of the Bowman family. It’s the worst storm in 20 years. School is out early and its home for Teddy and his younger sister, “Ronnie”, in from the cold and wind, with smells of corn bread and chili cooking. The snow never stops. Soon the stranded travelers start to arrive. Neighbors trudge to the door and are welcomed inside. When the electricity fails, it is warm by the fireplace, and the evening turns into a party of riddles and stories until it is time to bed down for the night.

“Snow Company,” is Oglebay Institute’s 2013 touring production. It was performed in dozens of schools in Ohio, Belmont, and Jefferson counties during the month of May.

“Our touring production is a formal theatrical experience in which a simple, continuous story is shown to children ages five to 14 by adult actors. The goal is to provide children with the best possible theater experience that entertains and teaches a life lesson,” said Towngate Theatre director Tim Thompson. “These plays are often the first live theater experience for many school children.”

This is the first year that public performances are being held in locations other than Wheeling. Expanding the reach of this program to St. Clairsville and New Martinsville was made possible through a grant from the Ohio River Border Initiative.

The cast of “Snow Company” includes: Thompson, Rick Call, Isa Campbell, Krsangi Dove, Timberly Robinson, and Sue Beth Warren.

Presented in partnership with West Liberty University, “Snow Company” is approximately 45 minutes in length. Children have an opportunity to meet the cast after each performance.

Tickets are just $8 and can be purchased by calling the Stifel Fine Arts Center at 304-242-7700 at www.OIonline.com or at the door.

This program is made possible through the generous support of the members of the Institute as well as with financial assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

Visit Oglebay Institute on the web at www.oionline.com.