Candace Peterson, playing bookstore owner Margie, chats with her cat Bombalurina (Ainsley Schuette) in “The Enchanted Bookshop.” Performances are Oct. 28-30 at Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre in Baker City.

BAKER CITY — Ever wanted to meet your favorite book characters?

This month you have a chance with “The Enchanted Bookshop,” a play by Todd Wallinger presented by Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre.

In this children’s production, an eccentric bookstore owner’s struggling shop is targeted by two bumbling thieves seeking jewels hidden inside a book.

But this isn’t a normal bookshop. A Book Fairy has given the characters the gift of life because, as she says, it’s not likely they will come to life in the normal way — being read — because this particular store doesn’t see many customers.

The characters come to life at night — which is right when the thieves creep into the store. Suddenly these fictional people have a purpose: fight the bad guys and save the bookshop.

There’s only one problem: They can’t be seen, otherwise the magic that brings them to life will disappear.

But they are plenty clever, when you combine the antics of Tom Sawyer with his slingshot, Sherlock Holmes with his smarts, and a supporting cast of Dorothy, Heidi, Robin Hood, Pollyanna and other beloved book characters.

Showtimes

The play will be presented over two weekends: Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 28-30. Showtimes are 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $12 adults, $10 EORT members and $7 students. Purchase tickets online at www.easternoregonregionaltheatre.com, by calling 541-523-9652 or at the door.

The opening night special, Oct. 21, is $10 adults or $5 students. Also, a six-ticket punch card is available for $65.

Cast

The play is directed by Cindy Ratterman. The cast features Candace Peterson, Ainsley Schuette, Riley Schuette, Olivia Collard, Ruby Collard, Payton Anderson, Jace Carroll, Jordan Wolfe, Stella Klecker, Avery Ellis, Olive Eide, Finley Ellis, Merilyn Novak, Natioshya Hickson-Clarke, Tiernan Klecker, Elijah Johnson, Kate Loennig, Max Jacoby, Justin Wolfe, Evan Carroll, Paislee Anderson, Obsidian Adams and Hazel Crowell.