By Bob Fischbach
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Mothers of young wiggle worms, this one's for you.

The Rose Theater's stage production of “If You Give a Cat a Cupcake” is so filled with color, imagination, adventure and, above all, fun that just about any kid whose age is still in the single digits will find it hard to resist.

At a preview matinee on Thursday, students from nearby Liberty Elementary School were clearly having a blast as the convoluted story unfolded and they got to play along with the talented cast onstage.

Brian Guehring, the Rose's playwright in residence, has adapted Laura Numeroff's book for the stage with a clear understanding of what makes young audiences happy. Physical movement, singing, imitating animal noises, shout-outs and even a bit of throw and catch are sprinkled throughout the hourlong show.

But Guehring and director James Larson haven't left out substance. The whole point of the book is that actions have consequences, and that there's a reason behind every rule.

Young Laura (Stephanie Jacobson), the story's central character, comes home from school upset because of how her day went. She had no lunch, but it's not her fault Mom forgot to hand it to her on her way out the door. And her brother, Keith, has a sprained ankle. But it's not her fault he tripped on toys she failed to pick up.

Soon Laura takes in a stray cat (Miriam Gutierrez) who can magically talk to her. The cat doesn't like rules either.

If you give a cat a cupcake, it will want sprinkles. If you use sprinkles, the floor will be a mess. If you clean the floor with a mop, things get wet, so you have to wear a bathing suit. If you have a bathing suit on, you have to go to the beach. And so on.

From the beach to the gym to a mountain to a rowboat on a lake and a science museum, the cat leads Laura on one adventure after another. Each time she learns why there are rules, such as keeping glass bottles off the beach, or being safe when you lift weights, or wearing a life jacket.

And each time she meets funny characters: a museum guide (Tim Siragusa), a lifeguard (Konrad Case), the abominable snowman (Michael Harrelson) and many more. Classical music pieces accompany many of the adventures.

And at each new place, Guehring gives kids a few of their favorite things: dinosaurs and whales at the science museum (perfect for imitating sounds), a giant beach ball by the sea, singing in rounds as they row, row, row their boat.

Costumer Sherri Geerdes gets creative with whimsical, colorful costumes for the cat, the abominable snowman, the Loch Ness monster, a giant squid, a weight lifter and more. Mark Parrott's scenic design incorporates a brightly painted playroom and many smaller set pieces that can easily roll on and off or be carried.

Larson, Guehring and crew get a gold star for this creative venture. So, if you give a kid a theater ticket, then you'll probably end up with a happy youngster on your hands.

Bob Fischbach reviews movies and theater for the World-Herald.