Oscar Wilde has been quoted as saying, “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”
Whether one with a special fondness for the art of live drama or a curious novice, the good news is that area theaters are setting up a summer schedule featuring productions of classic favorites and wondrous adventures.

A new view of Wonderland

One classic you don’t want to miss, is a magical adventure into a wondrous land in which a young girl finds her way. Buchanan’s Tin Shop Theatre is presenting a run of “Alice in Wonderland,” adapted by Anne Coulter Martens from the original work by Lewis Carroll.
Directed by Sarah Dickey and Kelly Carlin, the story follows Alice, in her quest to get home from Wonderland. Her journey is hindered by interactions with Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, The Mad Hatter and a Cheshire Cat.
The beloved story turned classic has adventure, charm and even a little bit of silliness.
Show times are July 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. with matinee showings on July 12 and 19 at 4 p.m.
For tickets, contact the box office at 695-6464. Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and students and $5 for children ages 12 and under.
For more information visit www.tinshoptheatre.org.

Reintroducing the seven dwarfs

The Barn Swallow Theatre is bringing to life one of the most beloved sleeping beauties and her seven little men with their children’s play, a new twist on the tale of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
Directed by Aanika Jaggi, Snow White, a dashing prince and an evil queen are to be joined by a few new faces in a story set against an eclectic musical adaptation.
The modern retelling of this fairy tale stars a cast of young performers as well as seven new dwarfs: Sarge, Gabby, Gloomy Gus, Ticklish, Spritely, Snore and Slowpoke.
The play starts July 16 and runs through the 19, at Southwestern Michigan College. Performances start at 7 p.m. with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children, available at the door.
For more information, contact the Barn Swallow Theatre at (269) 370-1555.

A new odd couple

Beginning July 24, the Four Flags Players will present a contemporary take on Neil Simon’s classic Broadway play “The Odd Couple.”
In this female version, playing out on stage at the First Presbyterian Church in Niles, the show takes a look at the friendship between Olive Madison and Florence Unger. The script is based on the play that later became a hit film and television series.
The friendship of Florence and Olive displays a lesson of learning to tolerate the oddities and foibles in one another – and how to do it with a little humor.
The two come together to socialize, gossip and provide support for one another through life’s trials and tribulations. Some of the play’s funnier moments come from revisions to some of Simon’s characters – originally the Pigeon sisters – the Costazuela brothers, Jesus and Manolo. These two proper, courtly Spanish brothers speak perfect English “every once in a while.”
Humor is at the heart of this play, as it intends to see audiences relate to the faults of the two friends who explore relationships through weekly games of Trivial Pursuit.
The production runs Friday and Saturday evenings with a matinee on Sunday. Evening performances begin at 7 p.m. Sunday afternoon curtain is at 2 p.m.
Ticket prices are $10 and $8 for seniors, $5 for students and tickets are available at the door. For information call 695-1150 or visit www.nilesffp.org.