Bringing in the spring and summer season is Act 1's production of "Hansel and Gretel," through April 30, Schubert Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, Center Valley.

The well-known story by the Brothers Grimm, adapted by Vera Morris, begins with Hansel and Gretel at home and very hungry. A pitcher of cream their mother plans to use to make pudding for dinner that night becomes too tempting for Hansel, and he proceeds to drink half of it and then accidently spills the other half on the floor.

Their mother returns home, discovers what has happened, and becomes furious at Hansel. She sends the siblings out in to the forest to find berries for the family to eat instead.

As Hansel and Gretel walk through the forest, they stumble upon a house made of gingerbread. They are discovered by the Gingerbread Witch, who locks them up in the house and begins the process of fattening Hansel to eat him in a few weeks' time.

Long story short (we all know it anyway), Gretel pushes the witch into her own oven while the children's parents simultaneously stumble upon the Gingerbread House. All are reunited and the story ends happily.

The one-hour show is a delight. The actors regularly interact with the children, who are able to sit on the edge of the stage, as well as the adults, with a few jokes geared for an older sense of humor.

The show brings a classic tale together with a modern twist and the addition of a few unforgettable characters. Most notable are Lydia (Lisa Leone), a gypsy (and a bit of a hustler) with a Brooklyn accent; the Troll (Anna Ritchey), who demands a toll after the children cross his "troll bridge," and the Gingerbread Witch (Autumn Fink), reminiscent of Miracle Max's wife Valerie in the fairy-tale inspired movie "The Princess Bride." She says, "I do like to cook, but I don't like to clean up!"

Laura Risch is a talented costumer designer. She adorns the cast with extraordinary attire. The forest sprites wear green and flowy costumes. The Dew Princess is adorned in a sparkling dress. The Troll is covered in a baggy costume embossed in a green moss-like material. Another most noteworthy character is the Owl, which is magnificent.

Director Patrick Golebiowski and choreographer Christine Baglivio keep the show moving at a fairly fast pace (it is a children's show, after all). They succeed in capturing the look and feel of a classic tale while adding modern touches: a few bits of slang in the dialogue, a bright green light which covers the stage (compliments to Allison Newhard, lighting designer), and the actors looking into the audience with horrified expressions whenever anyone mentions "the Gingerbread Witch." Scenic Designer Karyn Bohli keeps the set colorful yet non-obtrusive.

"Hansel and Gretel" is dramatic yet light in spirit throughout. The production is a wonderfully-acted, cheerful and modern take on a classic tale by the Brothers Grimm.