This weekend and next, the Whitefish Theatre Company invites young and old alike to join them on a journey through Middle Earth with the children’s production of “The Hobbit.”

The show opens tonight with a sneak preview performance at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue on Feb. 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee shows on Feb. 22 and March 1 at 4 p.m. All performances will be at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

“We've had a wonderful time bringing this exciting, classic tale to the stage,” said director Rebecca Spear. “Whether you are revisiting this beloved story or experiencing it for the first time, we hope you enjoy this thrilling journey of heroism and discovery.”

“The Hobbit” is a stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novel by the same name. It tells the tale of the quest of Bilbo Baggins. According to a press release from the Whitefish Theatre Company, “Bilbo’s easy-going life is drastically altered when he makes a very out-of-character decision to join a quest through Middle Earth with wizard Gandalf and a throng of dwarves to recover stolen treasure. While they encounter goblins, trolls, and even a dragon along the way, Bilbo stumbles across a very special ring and discovers an unexpected heroic side of himself in the process.”

The Whitefish Theatre Company’s production includes 33 cast members, from 7 to 14 years old, from around the Flathead Valley.

“I am so proud of all the kids,” Spear said. “They’ve all worked hard, and it’s so rewarding to see it all come to life.”

The set in the O’Shaughnessy Center was built based on art by Tolkien for the first edition of “The Hobbit.” That, combined with colorful and elaborate costumes, set the perfect stage for Bilbo’s journey. The Whitefish Theatre Company’s costume designer Lonnie Porro and technical director Colin Arakaki have been hard at work to make Middle Earth come alive.

“The costumes are really amazing,” said Gabby Pickert, 11, who plays an elf. “It’s a big action-adventure that’s a lot different than the movie!”

Isaac Schroeder, 13, who plays Bombur, added that his costume is “very hot.” But despite that, he said he was enjoying the production.

“It’s been fun,” Schroeder said. “Getting to know the cast and meeting new people has been my favorite part.”

Many other young cast members agreed.

Matthew Peschel, 9, who plays Balin, said “It’s been fun making new friends — I liked working with the cast.”

“The whole process has been fun,” said Ian Caltabiano, 14, who plays Gandalf.

“The story of ‘The Hobbit’ is so imaginative,” said Tanner Harmon, 11, who plays Thorin. “It’s an exciting show, where you never know what’s coming next!”

The cast of kids aren’t the only ones having a good time with this production. Spear said that parents volunteer to help with all different aspects of the show.

“A production of this size and magnitude ... takes so many people and so much work,” Spear said. “It’s exciting to witness the synergy when everything starts falling into place.”

Shannon Hollman, who introduced herself as “Bilbo’s mom” (Bilbo is being played by her son, Bauer), said she was excited to have been a part of the show’s crew.

“[Opening] week is my favorite part,” Hollman said. “Watching it all come together, with the full costumes and lights and music ... Now it feels like a real show. Now it’s really happening.”

Hollman said she’s proud of the work Bauer has put into the role of Bilbo, and added that it’s been fun watching her other son Bohdi acting in this production as an elf guard as well. But Hollman said it’s the dragon scene that’s been a highlight for everyone.

“It’s so cool to see a dragon come to life on stage!” Hollman said.

The sneak preview performance tonight is $10 for adults and $8 for students. Tickets are available only at the door with general seating. Tickets for all other performances are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $8 for students with reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased at the box office at the O’Shaughnessy Center, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, or by calling 862-5371. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. Individual tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org.

This show is sponsored by Glacier Bank and American Bank is sponsoring the education outreach.

“It’s a great show,” Schroeder said. “You need to come see it!”

Entertainment editor Stefanie Johnson can be reached at 758-4439 or ThisWeek@dailyinterlake.com.