Celebrating its 14th season, the Educational Theatre Collaborative will be host to the world premier of "Pollyanna."

Performances have been scheduled through Saturday at 7 p.m. with matinee shows on both Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Hanaway Theatre at the Silver Center for the Arts.

The performances of "Pollyanna" concludes an intense month of rehearsals, along with a Children's Arts Festival on Jan. 12, with workshops for students in grades kindergarten through five; an extensive art display incorporating themes from the production, a luncheon with characters from the show on Saturday and an Integrated Arts Conference for artists and educators also on Saturday.

ETC is a community arts organization sponsored by Plymouth State University, Friends of the Arts and Plymouth Elementary School. It is a two-time Moss Hart Award winner for excellence in community and children's theater.

"Pollyanna" is the story of a young orphan whose positive spirit transforms everyone around her. Following the death of her parents, Pollyanna goes to live with her unfriendly maiden Aunt Polly in a small New England town.

COURTESY PHOTO 'POLLYANNA,' now playing at the Silver Center for the Arts, features a host of characters including Mrs. Ford, brought to life on stage by North Woodstock's Vicki Etchings Pollyanna, played by Alyssa Dumas of Manchester and the Rev. Ford who is Tim Keefe of Plymouth.

Pollyanna's legacy from her father was an optimistic attitude, exemplified by "The Glad Game" which helped Pollyanna find something to be glad about in every situation and to stand up for what she thinks is right. Pollyanna becomes known as "The Glad Girl," transforming the dispirited town into a pleasant and healthy place to live.

The musical theatre adaptation is based on the best-selling 1913 novel by Littleton, author Eleanor Hodgman Porter. The production is directed by Tricia Lindberg, who is the winner of the 2007 Excellence in Education Award from the New Hampshire Department of Education and the 2007 Excellence in Children's Theatre Award from the New Hampshire Theatre Awards.

The show is choreographed by PSU alumni Michael David Stoddard and Amanda Whitworth with musical direction by Kenneth Roberts and Will Ogmundson.

Pollyanna will be portrayed by 15-year-old Alyssa Dumas of Manchester. Her Aunt Polly will be portrayed by mezzo-soprano Eva Nagorka of Plymouth. Other feature roles include: Nancy, Miss Polly's maid, portrayed by PSU alumna Natalie Roy of Atkinson; Jimmy Bean, Pollyanna's young orphan friend, portrayed by Sam Zuk of Littleton; Dr. Chilton, portrayed by Bill Bolton of Plymouth; the curmudgeonly Mr. Pendleton, portrayed by Robb Dimmick of Providence, R.I., and Reverend Ford, portrayed by PSU Dean of Students, Tim Keefe,of Plymouth.

Keefe has been involved with ETC since its inception 14 years ago. Lindberg has also been there since the beginning but Keefe is the only actor to appear in every production.

COURTESY PHOTO CAST MEMBERS of 'Pollyanna' include, Jimmy Bean played by Sam Zuk of Littleton. Row 2: Housekeeper played by Cynthia Vascek of Plymouth, Nancy played by Natalie Roy of Atkinson. Row 3: Mrs. Ford played by Vicki Etchings of No. Woodstock, Pollyanna played by Alyssa Dumas of Manchester, Miss Polly played by Eva Nagorka of Plymouth and Back Row: Mr. Pendleton played by Robb Dimmick of Providence R.I. and Dr. Chilton played by Bill Bolton of Plymouth.

"I wouldn't keep doing this if it wasn't such a phenomenal experience," said Keefe. "It has also always been a great time. People will be blown away by 'Pollyanna.' The cast is unbelievable. I think people will be tapping their feet as they leave the building, calling all their friends to go see it."

Ticket prices are $22 to $20 for adults and $18 to $16 for youth and seniors.

Call the box office at 535-ARTS to purchase tickets. The box office is located in the Silver Center on the PSU campus and is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to performances.

Tickets may also be purchased online at silver.plymouth.edu.