As part of the Lyric Theatre's production of Babes in Toyland, Little Miss Muffet, Humpty Dumpty, and Jack & Jill are just a few characters who will take to the Saratoga Civic Theater stage in an interactive, fun-loving version of Victor Herbert's classic operetta.

Marking the 100th anniversary of the production's premier, which was held Oct. 13, 1903, at the Majestic Theater in New York City, this production will not only celebrate the season, but also honor Herbert's work.

"I have been so looking forward to this production, I think it's terrific," says Babes in Toyland producer Bruce Herman. "[Herbert] is acknowledged as one of the best arrangers ever to have done Broadway. Listening to his music is just a joy for me."

"I've been pushing to do this for a long time," Herman says. "I'd love to see if this generates a lot of interest. I hope it does, because this is a fabulous production and lots of fun."

Although this rendition bears little resemblance to its original, which was quite lengthy and extravagant, it still bears the same plot and famous songs such as "March of the Toys" and "Toyland."

"This particular production has so much interaction with the audience, the kids really go crazy with it," Herman says. "It's very popular. Families are always looking for things to do with the kids around the holiday time."

To enhance the mood, an array of holiday festivities will be held at the theater one hour prior to each show. Children will be able to play games and check out decorated Christmas trees, while a group of carolers liven up the lobby in preparation for a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Herman says Lyric Theatre has not produced a play for children before, and is anxious for feedback. "It's something of a trial," he says, adding that if all goes well, the company hopes to make this a regular holiday production. "The biggest challenge with children's theater is making sure the kids are engaged and not bored. But Saratoga is such a small theater, it really lends itself to be more intimate with the audience. It's much better for interacting."

With preparations packed into three weeks and rehearsals held four days a week, the theater company has been eagerly in overdrive to prepare for its Saratoga audiences on Dec. 13 and 14.

"It's very different to be in a children's show, and really fun," says Saratoga resident Nicholas Patton, who plays Tom-Tom, the Piper's son. "Everything is very exaggerated and larger than life, but everyone has to believe in what they're doing. It's goofy, but you are genuine and sincere about that goofiness."

Loaded with physical farce and challenging vocals, the production satisfies several audiences at once. "When I first read the script and listened to the lyrics, I thought, gosh--these lines are pretty serious, this sounds adult," says Babes in Toyland director Barbara Murray. "But the physical action of the plot is aimed at kids. There is so much, it makes it very fun. I love doing productions for kids, and with this they'll get to see theater, experience good music and get involved."

Performances will be held on Dec. 13 at 1, 4, and 7 p.m. and on Dec. 14 at 1 and 4 p.m. at the Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, 95070. Tickets are $25 per person and are available by calling 408.986.1455 or visiting http://www.lyrictheatre.org.