The Christian theater group, Players of the Stage, will present “The Wind in the Willows” April 28-30 at Living Hope Presbyterian Church, 330 Schantz Road, Lower Macungie Township.

The play is based on Kenneth Grahame’s novel of the same name and adapted by Jeffrey Harvey.

Set in a countryside of England, the play tells the story of Toad as he chases the latest inventions.

He is arrested, thrown in jail and then reunited with Rat, Mole and the other woodland animals.

Together they have to face Stoat and his villains to take back his Toad Hall, all while learning what it really means to be a friend.

Audrey Goodman plays Toad in Cast 1. Reed Wiren portrays Toad in Cast 2.

“Toad is really outgoing and energetic,” Goodman said. He is also very self-centered and obsessed with motorcars which is really funny.”

She said Toad gets into a lot of trouble throughout the play and that is really fun.

“I also enjoy that Toad is funny and I like making people laugh,” Goodman said. “The play is very entertaining and teaches a good lesson about friendship.

“While watching this you really fall in love with the characters.”

Wiren said Toad is stuck up, probably the exact opposite of what anybody wants to be.

“I like playing my character because I get to wear some great costumes and I don’t have to worry about hurting anybody’s feelings,” Wiren said. “I get a chance to play outside of my life.”

Abby Frailey portrays Rat in Cast 1. Tessa Stutzman plays Rat in Cast 2.

Frailey said Rat is a laid back kind of a person.

“She’s sort of an introvert,” Frailey said. “She’s got friends but none of them are her really good friend except Otter and by the end of the play Mole.

“I enjoy playing the Rat because I get to threaten Stoat among other fun things like have a bunch of picnics.”

She said the play is really funny and there is a fight scene, which is always a plus.

“I also love getting to joke around with my friends during intermission,” Frailey said.

Stutzman said the Rat is a very jolly character.

“He likes the quiet forest but still searches for satisfaction, which he looks for in Mole and the adventure Wayfarer offers,” Stutzman said.

“In the end he finds that friends are the best to stick by always.

“I like the way he is jolly and is searching, although it is not entirely evident.

“I like that he finds the importance in friendships.”

“I love the way Players of the Stage allows me to glorify God through my actions and also to bless others,” she said.

Gerard Behe plays Mole in Cast 1. Alyssa Vella portrays Mole in Cast 2.

Behe said the Mole is a kind, peace loving creature that disapproves of violence.

“He is a good friend with Rat and Toad,” Behe said. “I like playing Mole because he is exciting and energetic and mild-mannered and friendly.”

“I like this play because it is lively and comical,” Behe said. “It has action and also teaches a moral that friends stick up for each other.”

Vella said Mole is a kind, curious animal, who is quite new to the ways of the others and likes to be with her friend, the Rat.

“I like that I can put myself in Mole’s shoes and be the caring, peaceful folk that she is,” Vella said. “I like being in this play because it’s funny, dramatic and just plain awesome.”

This play is being directed by Abby Martin.

“The Wind in the Willows is an entertaining story about the importance of friendship and what it really means to be a true friend,” Martin said. “It can be great fun to watch characters in play make ridiculous mistakes in their relationships especially the kind of mistakes that we would never make.”

Sharon Gerdes, artistic director, commented on why the theater group chose this play to perform. She also explained why the donations raised from the performances will be given to Restoration Life Center, Allentown.

“We wanted to do a play that focused on our younger actors and ‘The Wind in the Willows’ provided us with lots of parts that would give them an opportunity to shine,” Gerdes said.

Gerdes said they chose Restoration Life Center after Ruth Alpha, an ordained minister with Life Church, Allentown, approached them about her ministry with the center.

“We were very excited about the many ways her organization is working to aid women in the Lehigh Valley,” Gerdes said.

Restoration Life Center provides young and adult women healing programs, mentoring, small groups, creative art opportunities, seminars and workshops that focus on healing and restoration of their hearts and souls.

Players of the Stage will perform “The Wind in the Willows” 7 p.m. April 28-30 and at 2 p.m. April 30. Tickets are free but reservations are needed. In lieu of a ticket price, an offering will be taken for the center.

For tickets, email potstickets@gmail.com.

For information, visit playersofthestage.org.