Livingston High students stage Little Billy with sanctuary tie-in

By AI, Created 4:34 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Livingston High School Theatre Arts 1 students will perform The Adventures of Little Billy: In Search of the Magic Tree on June 15 in Livingston, New Jersey, with free admission and a special appearance from Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve. The production doubles as a student capstone and a community event, and book sales at the show will help support the sanctuary.

Why it matters: - The production turns a semester-long class project into a public performance for families and local students. - The show is designed to tour elementary schools after its debut, extending its reach beyond one night in the auditorium. - The event links student theatre with a message about courage, kindness, perseverance and self-discovery. - A portion of book-sale proceeds will benefit Tamerlaine Animal Sanctuary & Preserve.

What happened: - Livingston High School Theatre Arts 1 students will present The Adventures of Little Billy: In Search of the Magic Tree on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM. - The performance will be held in the Livingston High School Auditorium in Livingston, New Jersey. - Admission is free and open to the public. - The production is the culmination of a semester-long final project involving students from all grade levels and a wide range of abilities. - Barry Farber will attend to sign copies of the special edition hardcover book after the performance.

The details: - Students worked on storytelling, character development, staging and performance. - The stage adaptation is based on Farber’s children’s book The Adventures of Little Billy: In Search of the Magic Tree. - Little Billy is described as an ambassador to the Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve. - The evening will include a special animal ambassador appearance from the sanctuary. - The animal appearance is intended to give children and families a chance to connect with animals while hearing a message about compassion, empathy and caring for living beings. - The book also exists as an animated TV series. - Dan Wolf, founder and principal of Lone Wolf Writing Company and former Vice President of Corporate Communications at The Walt Disney Company, praised the story for its values and broad appeal.

Between the lines: - The event is as much a community outreach effort as a theatre performance. - The student-driven format gives younger performers practical experience while building a production with a built-in civic purpose. - The sanctuary partnership adds a cause-based element that could help draw families who might not otherwise attend a school theatre show.

What’s next: - The production will debut at Livingston High School on June 15. - After the performance, Farber will sign books for attendees. - The show is expected to move into elementary school tours following its premiere. - Book sales at the event will continue to support Tamerlaine Animal Sanctuary & Preserve.

The bottom line: - Livingston High School is using a free student production to spotlight young performers, support an animal sanctuary and push a children’s story into the community.