The Tacoma Children’s Musical Theater, produced for the third year by Tacoma Musical Playhouse (TMP), presents fully staged musicals for family audiences, staged by some of your favorite adult actors from TMP. These popular musical theater versions of classic children’s literature average 70-90 minutes in length and include an intermission. The next exciting production this season is “The Phantom Tollbooth.”

Nothing seems to interest young Milo…not his toys, not his friends, and especially not school. But when a mysterious tollbooth materializes in his room, he “drives on through” to discover a world of inspiration. With the help of a time-keeping watchdog named Tock, Milo gets unstuck from the Doldrums and embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses of Rhyme and Reason. Norton Juster’s beloved children’s book is given the full musical treatment in this acclaimed stage version of Milo, a boy who successfully brings harmony to the Land of Wisdom and learns many things about words and numbers along his journey. With lyrics by Pulitzer Prize and three-time Tony winner Sheldon Harnick, “The Phantom Tollbooth” is an endearing show that appeals to audiences of all ages.

The production runs Jan. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 2 p.m. All seating is reserved and advanced purchase is strongly recommended. Additionally, there are two mid-week student group matinee performances at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 14 and 15. Contact the box office directly to arrange for your group. The productions take place at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse located at 7116 Sixth Ave. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 seniors, students, military, and $10 children. Group rates for groups of 10 or more are also available. For tickets or more information, call (253) 565-6867. Tickets are available online at www.tmp.org.

Tickets are also available for the remaining musical in this series, “Heidi,” May 23, 24, 30 and 31. All performances are at 2 p.m.