ORLANDO — Sometimes it seems like the cat is always the one who gets blamed.

As a cat man, I felt some sympathy toward the cat Snowbell, who learns her owners the Littles have a new son who looks just like a mouse. So how exactly is Snowbell supposed to act toward a mouse-boy named Stuart Little? Isn’t it in the cat’s nature to cast a suspicious eye on anything mouse-esque?

Then again, the new children’s stage production of E.B. White’s classic fantasy novel Stuart Little does make that mouse-boy quite sweet, innocent, charming and likable, so it becomes easier to resist the way Snowbell gets cast in the villain role here.

The Orlando Shakes‘ enjoyable children’s production of Stuart Little is definitely one that parents don’t have to dread taking their kids to see, because it’s light and whimsical, with gentle humor skillfully managed by a talented cast of pros. Besides, the show is just 45 minutes long, so there’s not much risk that the little ones will eventually get fidgety and restless.

Stuart Little also marks the Orlando’s Shakes’ final production of the season. The show runs now through April 27.

What is the story of Stuart Little?

White published his novel in 1945 and it became an instant hit, and is now regarded as a classic of children’s literature. It’s a fantasy tale of a boy who looks in every way like a mouse, but Stuart also has to deal with realistic situations that some children face, such as feeling like you’re different from other kids, or being small in a big, busy, pushy world.

In 1999, the book was turned into a movie that mixed live action with computer-animation, and led to two sequels. This stage version continues the Shakes’ efforts to not only deliver quality Shakespearean drama to adults, but pleasurable shows that little kids can enjoy as well. And if a show like this one plants in the childrens’ minds a love of theater, I’d say the Shakes is doing an enormous service.

The Shakes’ production was adapted by playwright Joseph Robinette, and it squeezes into the short running time many of the anecdotes that made the White story a favorite: Stuart’s confrontations with the hissing Snowbell, his friendship with a yellow canary named Margalo who is found half-frozen on the family doorstep, Stuart’s travels to the town of Ames Crossing and his river journey on a canoe. Like the book, the play doesn’t give Stuart a grand finale, and instead leaves it to the kids in the audience to write for themselves the final chapter of Stuart’s adventures.

How is the Orlando Shakes’ Production of Stuart Little?

In addition to recreating the home Stuart grows up in and doing a fine job of presenting the river that he sails along, the show has an energetic cast eager to charm the little ones. Jacob Romeo is particularly enjoyable as the good-natured and big-hearted Stuart, while the additional 8 cast members juggle multiple roles. Dominique Marshall gets to present us with that villainous Snowbell while Gabriella Headley is a sweet Margalo.  

The book is an endearing classic for a reason, and the play does a fine job of reminding kids of what family and friendship are all about.

Where Can I See Stuart Little?

Stuart Little is being performed at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St., in Loch Haven Park, in the Margeson Theater. The play is 45 minutes long with no intermission and is rated G.

Children ages 2 and younger are welcome to sit on the laps of their parents or guardians during the entire show.

To purchase tickets or get more information, call the Shakes Box Office at  (407) 447-1700 or log on to the Stuart Little show page.

Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book A Christmas Eve Story. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.

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