Local girl stars in production of Babe in Woodbury

By Margaret Hobbs

‘Babe, the Sheep-Pig’ the story of one piglet’s rise to become the world famous ‘sheep-pig’ play by David Wood, and adapted from the original book ‘The Sheep Pig’ by Dick King-Smith, is being presented tonight at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m.

When Babe is won by Farmer Hogget, an extraordinary friendship develops. Babe quickly learns the herding instinct and when the day of the Grand Challenge Sheepdog Trials dawns, the whole farm holds its breath to see if Babe will become the hero of the hour.

Directed by Kaleena DeVar, this production features several Warren County residents in the cast. Griffin Winton, Tim Winton, Connor Winton, Kendall Winton, Grace Winton, Macie Walker, Livia Walker, Kyler Walker, Dorinda Walker and Abby Roller are all involved.

‘We jokingly call it the Winton-Walker cast, because we have so many.’ laughs Dorinda Walker, who plays Mrs. Hogget. Her son Kyler, 12; and daughters Livia, 10; and Macie, 7 have roles in the play.

Tim Winton plays Mr. Hogget, with daughter Grace playing Babe, and sons Connor, Griffin, Kendall also participating. The Winton family is seasoned veterans, having been involved in numerous presentations.

Other cast members include: Skylar Daniel, Scout Turner, Hannah McMurry, Candice Rucker, Hailey Warner, Ty Bratcher, Conner Winton, Justin Masters, David Higdon, Susan Higdon, Brad McCrary, Raelle David, Ben McCrary, Alexi Davis, Rachel Aldrich, Eli Gill, Michael Higdon, Noah Gill, Matalie Elzeer and Brooke Nowicki. Grace Winton and Nowicki are sharing the role of Babe.

‘Our kids really enjoy being in plays at The Arts Center, it is very fun for them, and they gain a lot of confidence in the process,’ said Walker.

Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students.

The Arts Center of Cannon County is located on 1424 John Bragg Highway, just west of the town of Woodbury, approximately 20 minutes from Murfreesboro, Manchester, and McMinnville, and one hour southeast of Nashville.

Office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information check the Web site at www.artscenter-ofcc.com or call 615-563-(ARTS) 2787 or 1-800-235-9073.