Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre continues its Children’s Theater Season with a production of “Wiley and the Hairy Man,” a rhythmic play about a young boy overcoming his fears. Cast members, in front row, from left to right, are Josie Figaretti, Keyuri Morgan and Aubrey Russell. In the back row, from left to right, are Alex Fabrizio, Austin Schwanker and Patricia Jeffers.

WHEELING — Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre continues its tradition of bringing beloved stories from the page to the stage with its production of “Wiley and the Hairy Man,” a rhythmic play about a young boy overcoming his fears.

It will be staged at 7 p.m. today, Friday, Jan. 26; and at 3 p.m. Jan. 27 and 28, and Feb. 3 and 4.

Set deep within the mysterious Tombigbee Swamp, “Wiley and the Hairy Man” centers around a young fatherless boy, his conjure-woman mother, his faithful dog, and the Hairy Man who haunts Wiley’s days and dreams.

Through rhythm and rhyme, a chorus creates the mystery of the swamp. The magic of this play is not fairy dust, it is soil–the magic of survival, the magic of the earth and the mud of the swamp.

In an exciting duel of wits, Wiley learns to rely upon his own resources and conquers two villains: the Hairy Man and his own fear.

“Wiley and the Hairy Man” was adapted from the traditional southern folktale and written by playwright Suzan Zeder.

Zeder has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of the leading playwrights for young and family audiences in the United States.

She is a six-time winner of the Distinguished Play Award from the American Alliance of Theatre and Education. She often takes marginalized characters and tells stories about them.

Oglebay Institute director of performing arts Tim Thompson said getting children involved in theater–whether in the audience or on the stage — helps “boost literacy, ignite the imagination and cultivate curiosity.”

“The theater is such a comfortable yet exciting place for children to come and learn,” he said. “Our children’s shows always incorporate humor, adventure, and important lessons.

These imaginative theater experiences also can serve as springboards for discussions, even among the youngest members of the family.”

Towngate artistic director Dave Henderson directs the production. Cast members are Aubrey Russell as Wiley; Keyuri Morgan as Mammy; Josie Figaretti as Hound Dog; Austin Schwanker as Hairy Man; Alex Fabrizio and Patricia Jeffers as the Chorus.

Advanced reservations are recommended and can be made at www.oionline.com or by calling 304-242-7700. For those buying seats at the door, Towngate’s box office opens one hour before all shows and can be reached at 304-233-4257.

Towngate’s 2023-24 Children’s Theater Season is sponsored by the Helen J. Prince Foundation.

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