Chicago Street Theatre is presenting “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” as a holiday event that boasts warm, memorable characters.

The Valparaiso troupe rolls out a Nov. 18 to Dec. 18 engagement in its venue at 154 W. Chicago St.

Family friendly, the musical relates how Christopher Robin is told a story of a Christmas Eve when the donkey Eeyore lost his tail, according to promotional material from Chicago Street Theatre.

Coming to Eeyore's aid, Winnie the Pooh and Piglet gather friends for a search.

Portraying Pooh is LaPorte's George Maslankowski.

Properly representing the soul of the character is a key for the actor.

“It's important to find just the right heart for the character because it's a fictional character,” Maslankowski said in a recent phone interview. “It's about getting the basic emotions of Pooh, which is that he cares about his friends.”

Additionally, there is an endearing mental trait that has come to be associated with the honey-loving bear.

“He's forgetful, and not quite attentive all the time,” Maslankowski, 66, said.

The actor relishes playing a lovable figure from children's literature and animated films.

“I grew up being familiar with the Disney versions, and actually read the stories to my children,” said Maslankowski, who has long been active in different facets of community theater in Northwest Indiana.

James W. Rodgers' “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” has themes of caring and sharing, and is based on the books of British author A.A. Milne.

Rolling out kid-friendly characters such as Tigger and Owl, the Valparaiso production is directed by Donald R. Beck and Kari-Anne Innes.

The role of the child character Christopher Robin is played by 11-year-old GraceAnne Vanderstar.

“He is one of my favorite characters in ‘Winnie-the-Pooh,'” GraceAnne said. “He's really nice, and he's not very mean to everybody. He never gets angry.”

GraceAnne's parents are Matthew and Jennifer Vanderstar, who are LaPorte-area residents.

Their daughter is entrusted with the role of a character who has the admirable trait of being a good friend.

“Chicago Street has a great way of helping children interact with the characters,” Maslankowski said.

Following performances, theatergoers will have the chance to meet cast members for pictures and autographs.

Chicago Street Theatre states “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” is peppered with “delightful” songs, and ranks as “the perfect holiday treat to introduce your little ones to the magic” of live theater.

Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.