Young actors bring fairy tale trial to the stage in ‘Big Bad’

A group of Albany’s fourth and fifth graders will take the stage this week to present Big Bad, a one-act courtroom comedy that puts the Big Bad Wolf on trial. The play, directed by Cali Rose, will be performed March 7 and 8 at 6 p.m. at the high school auditorium, and admission is free.

The production is part of All the World’s a Stage, a children’s theater group that Rose continues from a program originally started by her mother, Lorna Ayers. This marks the first full play put on by the group, following a smaller drama showcase last fall.

Big Bad is a lighthearted take on a courtroom trial, with the Fairy Godmother and the Evil Stepmother serving as opposing lawyers in a case that will determine whether the Big Bad Wolf is truly a villain—or just misunderstood. Witnesses include well-known fairy tale characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, the Three Little Pigs, the Boy Who Cried Wolf, and others, each offering their testimony in the case.

“The kids have been great at balancing practices with all the other things they have going on,” Rose said. “They’ve been working hard, and it’s really coming together this week as we get closer to the performance.”

Rehearsals have been underway since February, with students gathering after school to bring the story to life. A dress rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday, just before the show’s opening night.

Rose hopes the production will encourage more children to get involved in local theater and revive the tradition of children’s performances in Albany.

“This is something my mom started years ago, and I’m excited to keep it going,” she said.

Families and community members are invited to come out and support the young performers as they showcase their hard work and talent.