KINGMAN – The Beale Street Theater Players have final performances of their production of The Phantom Tollbooth this weekend. The play is an adaptation of the beloved children’s book first published more than 60 years ago. For generations, the story has been a staple in classrooms, and the adults guiding this production say its lessons remain just as relevant today.
Show director, who goes by the single name of Jayn, believes the play resonates because it speaks directly to young people who may feel disconnected or uninspired.
“I think that the show is important for kids who just don’t have a lot of excitement. They don’t feel like things are important to them,” she said. “It helps show them that it’s just the little things that are important. It’s taking the time to notice all the small things in life that help enhance all the things that we do.”
Bringing Norton Juster’s imaginative world from page to stage, however, is no small task. Jayn notes that the production blends puppetry, elaborate backdrops, and carefully designed lighting to capture the book’s whimsical tone.
“We are trying to use extravagant costumes to represent the fanciful characters,” she explained. “Trying to get all of those key elements in line is definitely something that takes a lot of time and a lot of work.”
At the center of the story is Milo, played by Joseph Arnesto — a boy old enough to read but young enough to be bored. His journey begins in the “Doldrums,” where he meets Tock, the literal “watch dog” portrayed by Madison Hecht, and the everdramatic Humbug, played by Spencer Hoffman.
From there, the trio travels through seven fantastical “Kingdoms of Wisdom,” encountering wordplay, number tricks, and a parade of eccentric characters. Each stop offers Milo a new lesson, ultimately preparing him to reunite with the Princesses of Rhyme and Reason.
For White Cliffs Middle School teacher Ian Symons, who has taught The Phantom Tollbooth for years, the story’s educational value extends far beyond the classroom.
“Education is important in life, but not just in school,” Symons said. “Outside of school these things are used every day. With The Phantom Tollbooth, there’s actually a lot of things that are funny, and anytime that you can throw humor and imagination into something, the kids are going to react in a very positive way.”
He added that pairing literature with live performance deepens students’ understanding.
“I’m a big fan of bringing the arts into literature—or even the other way around—in any given moment with any book.”
The Beale Street Theater cast and crew seemed particularly excited about putting on The Phantom Tollbooth. For them, this production is more than a show; it’s an invitation for audiences to rediscover curiosity, creativity, and the joy of learning.
