Elementary students and preschoolers from across the city were treated to a storybook-come-to-life Friday morning. The Greenville High School Old Gym Players presented the musical &#8220Winnie-The-Pooh,” based on the beloved characters created by A.A. Milne.

The high school students put on the play for an audience made up of students from Bright Beginnings, Fort Dale Academy and Greenville Elementary School, along with their teachers and parents.

It was the student actors' first public performance of the show and &#8220 a great extra dress rehearsal for my students,” director Wendy Smith said.

Appreciative murmurs were heard as cast members like Tyler Ray (Winnie), Brittany Byrd (Rabbit) and Monica Kelley (Kanga) appeared on stage in their furry head-to-toe animal costumes to share the classic story of the comic (mis)adventures of honey-loving Pooh and his friends in the Half-Acre Wood.

Chase scenes elicited giggles, as did such sights as little Piglet (Carrie Victoria) taking a bath she doesn't really want.

Following the performance, the cast members headed down to pose for photos with the youngsters and to shake hands and share hugs.

&#8220This really makes you feel good. All the little kids, seeing them smile and get excited,” said Kris Ferguson, who served as narrator for the production.

&#8220It makes it all worth it,” added Brittany Byrd with a grin and a nod of her floppy bunny ears.

Audiences can enjoy two additional performances of &#8220Winnie-The-Pooh” this weekend: tonight at 7 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the GHS Auditorium. Tickets are $3.

Read more about the performance and cast in next Wednesday's Greenville Advocate.