For one more weekend, rodents, complete with fuzzy ears, furry tails and sweet voices, will have the run of an Arlington stage in a battle between peace-loving mice and power-thirsty rats.

Encore Stage & Studio’s Children’s Theatre’s most recent production, “Redwall: The Legend of Redwall Abbey,” features cast and crew members ranging in age from elementary to high school — and 13 of 34 are from local Catholic parishes, according to parent and St. Charles Borromeo Parishioner Glenn Sugameli.

Performed at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington, “Redwall” features players and technical crew from the Arlington parishes of St. Agnes; the Cathedral of St. Thomas More; Our Lady, Queen of Peace; and St. Charles Borromeo; as well as Blessed Sacrament Parish in Alexandria and Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Vienna.

Based on the book by Brian Jaques and directed by Matthew Heap, “Redwall” is a complex tale of the peaceful mice of Redwall Abbey as they fight to defend their home against invading rats, led by Cluny the Scourge (a talented Ellen Chapin of Our Lady of Good Counsel).

A “novice in the order of Redwall mice,” Matthias (Joey Casey) embarks on a journey through the forest in search of a sword once carried by Redwall Abbey hero Martin the Warrior. Casey’s expressive acting carries the show through its 19 scenes, culminating in the final battle between mice and rats.

Because much of the story is told through song and the theatre is lacking in county-supplied microphones, a seat near the front is recommended. Barring the difficulty hearing, and a somewhat drawn-out plot, the musical is very professional, especially for actors so young.   

William Beech as British-accented Basil Stag Hare and Sarah Chapin (Our Lady of Good Counsel) as the sparrow Warbeak provide much-needed comic relief, especially for young children in the audience.

Final performances will be June 8 at 7:30 p.m., June 9 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., and June 10 at 3 p.m. For information go to www.encorestage.org or call 703/548-1154, ext. 1.

Gretchen R. Crowe cyan be reached at gcrowe@catholicherald.com.

Copyright ?2007 Arlington Catholic Herald, Inc. All rights reserved.