The curious young redhead from Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic storybooks brings her adventures from France to the Natural State this month in Madeline and the Gypsies.

The musical kicks off the 2012-2013 season for the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre in a big way on Sept. 21.

Though the opener is one of the few of the season thatrtesident playwright Keith Smith did not pen, he says the choice was a natural fit to get families excited about the year’s lineup: “It’s big and bright … and big,” Smith jokes. “It’s just a big, fun way to start the season.”

Based on Bemelmans’ book of the same name, the tale follows Madeline and her pal Pepito, who are accidentally left behind at a Gypsy circus. The theater’s live band underscores vibrant songs that play to scenes about the traveling performers’ lives.

Director John Isner’s favorite number introduces the audience to the circus characters. “Each one of the Gypsy characters takes Madeline and Pepito under their wing to demonstrate their jobs. The strong man says, ‘Look how strong I am,’” Isner booms in a deep voice for effect. “They’re very protective of them, so though they’ve been left behind accidentally and they’re sad every once in a while, it’s fun and not threatening. It’s every kid’s dream -- to run away to the circus.”

Audience members who have read the book might have a sense of deja vu: Many of the details, including the actors’ dialogue, will follow the original story closely.

“It’s expanded, because the book is very short. But it’s still very much the same,” Isner promises. “A lot of the dialogue is from the book. It rhymes and has that meter to it. Because Bemelmans illustrated his own books, a lot of the art from the book is going to come to life on the stage too.”

Even with an iconic character like Madeline, in her yellow sailor hat and feisty attitude, Isner and Smith are confident that young fans will walk away happy.

“Kids will tell you if you get it wrong!” Isner says. “Whoever we cast as Madeline knows the character and knows that age. They probably know what’s right better than I do. Maurice Sendak said, ‘It’s impossible to go back and put yourself in a 9-year-old’s place.’”

“But they need the support of the designers,” Smith adds. “There are no other looks for Madeline. We couldn’t put her in a pink jumpsuit or dress her like Eloise. Madeline is Madeline.”

Madeline and the Gypsies
Dates: Sept. 21-Oct. 7. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre
Cost: $12
Info: (501) 372-4000, ArkArts.com
Don’t miss the first offering of the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre 2012-2013 season, based on the classic series from author Ludwig Bemelmans. Madeline and Pepito experience life in the circus before finding their way back to Miss Clavel.