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ESCANABA - Several members of American Association of University Women (AAUW) - Escanaba Branch have been donning odd outfits and speaking in strange voices - but for a very good reason. The women are rehearsing for their upcoming Children's Theatre play, which will open at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Central United Methodist Church, 322 S. Lincoln Road, Escanaba.

An annual undertaking, the Children's Theatre offers area youth and adults the opportunity to enjoy a classic piece of literature presented as a live play. All parts are acted out by AAUW members, who thoroughly enjoy their role as thespians.

During this year's fun and light-hearted event, AAUW - Escanaba President Sue Hampton plays the Woodsman, who has an axe to grind with the Big Bad Wolf, played by Kathleen Bennett. The wolf just happens to be in pursuit of Grandma, otherwise known as Bev Ladin. Leading the wolf right to her grandma is the unsuspecting Shannon Taylor as Red Riding Hood.

The play also boasts a supporting cast consisting of AAUW members Lori Schultz (Mom), Colleen Martinsen (Narrator), Anna Savage as crowd control specialist and Ellen Jensen as director of the whole affair.

"We are having the greatest fun," remarked Hampton, as she swung an axe up onto the shoulder of her flannel shirt. "It's OK to be goofy in a play," she said, "because you're actually somebody else for a little while. It's great."

Area children certainly agree, based on the turnout at the yearly event.

Past presentations by the AAUW performers have included a host of classics, including "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," Hansel and Gretel," "Three Little Pigs" and "Cinderella."

"We just have such a good time," Bennett said of the club's theatrical endeavors, as she straightened her wolf ears.

There is a nominal per-person fee to attend the event. Admission includes a raffle toy and a pizza lunch, in addition to the performance. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and no tickets will be sold at the door. Only people with a ticket will be admitted. Tickets are available for purchase at Walgreens Drug Store.

Since 1975, this amusing and engaging event has consistently drawn wide-eyed crowds of children who enjoy the laughter and just-right dose of suspense the plays offer. For those who have not yet experienced the stage presence of AAUW's members, invite a child, grandchild or neighborhood youth to attend the Nov. 7 performance.

All proceeds will go to scholarship funds at Bay de Noc Community College.

AAUW is open to men and women holding an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Its mission is to promote gender equity through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Find out more about AAUW by calling 786-3415.