News: Thomas on Stage?

The Winnipeg Free Press Online Edition reports that our cheeky little friend is starring in a stage production up in the cold blue yonder. And it seems to be a one man show of sorts. The star:

(is) playing Thomas the Tank Engine (as well as Percy, Diesel and the
narrator) in the upcoming stage production of Thomas Saves the Day, which
furthers the adventures of the spunky little fictional engine beloved by so many
generations.

"It's like a rock concert for kids," says the 24-year-old actor, who
has himself become a big Thomas fan. "They're dancing in the aisles, and singing
all the songs."

Thomas and his friends have the status of rock stars among the
pre-kindergarten set. OK, the older set, too -- some in their 60s, for Thomas
has had a career even longer than the Rolling Stones.

The stage production is the latest metamorphosis for the Thomas
stories, which made their debut in 1942 when Rev. W. V. Awdry, an Anglican
clergyman and railway enthusiast, came up with the first tale to amuse his son,
Christopher, during the boy's recovery from the measles.