Winnie-The-Pooh: the &#8220sunny, funny,” honey-loving little bear that has captured the imaginations of generations of children. Created by English author A.A. Milne and further immortalized by the artists of Walt Disney, Winnie and his friends in the Half-Acre Woods are coming to the stage of the Greenville High School Auditorium April 27, 28 and 29.

Thirteen students will don full professional animal costumes (with an open face) as they share the whimsical adventures of Winnie and his pals. GHS art instructor Stacey Edwards' skills will help bring to life a cozy &#8220Rabbit's Hutch” and other inviting places for Pooh and his friends to roam and play.

GHS drama instructor and director Wendy Smith said she wanted to go in a slightly different direction for this year's production.

&#8220When I was thinking about what our community had, and what it needed, it came to mind we needed more things the whole family could enjoy together,” Smith explained.

&#8220That's why I chose to do a children's story this year. I felt young children could come and really have fun and teens and adults could enjoy reliving their childhood memories.”

Another difference: this year's production is a musical, a first for Smith.

&#8220Yes, I decided to do a musical this year. We have eight songs all together. I am not at all a singer, but the kids are learning their songs on tape and doing really well,” Smith said with a smile.

Tyler Ray is tackling the lead role of Pooh. Ray, who has the largest number of lines and several musical numbers in the production, said he is having &#8220a lot of fun” with the role.

&#8220I am really enjoying it. I'm not sure what it's going to be like in the costumes. It does get pretty hot up there on stage,” Ray admitted following last Thursday's rehearsal.

&#8220We'll try to have a few fans back there to help them cool down,” Smith said.

&#8220I think it is going to be a really fun show for everyone.”

Also appearing in the April production are Kris Ferguson as the Narrator; Clay Branum as Christopher Robin; Carrie Victoria as Piglet; Brittany Byrd as Rabbit; Daniel Coppage as Eeyore; William Bates as Owl; Monica Kelley as Kanga; Meghan Branum as Roo; Susan Nimmer as Animal 1; Lora Love as Animal 2; Amber Newton as Animal 3 and Rian Roman as Animal 4.

Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday April 27 and 28, and a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on April 29.