Boisterous and bossy “Ramona Quimby” is making a leap from the page to the stage. Director Kim Parrish and her playful cast of kids invite the public to join them the last weekend of March at The Colonnade Civic Center in Ringgold. Performances will be March 29-31 at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee will show March 31 at 1 p.m.

Based on the award-winning children’s book written by Beverly Cleary, Ramona and her friends take their audi-ence on a tumultuous passage through third grade and typical trying family relationships. At school, Ramona throws a tantrum when provoked by a classmate and is sent home in disgrace. The teacher's wrath, an important family wedding, persistent sibling bickering and Mr. Quimby's loss of a job and attempts to give up smoking are part of the fabric that shape the Oregon family’s portrait.

The characters and the material, adapted by Obie Award-winning playwright Len Jenkin, are described by crit-ics as "today as the morning newspaper.” Parrish agreed and said most people loved the books because they related to them so well, which is one reason she chose the play.

“Everybody has a little ‘Ramona’ in them,” Parrish said. “If you love the books, you’ll really love the play.”

Parrish, who lives in Chatsworth, has directed more than 60 productions and started the first community theater in Catoosa County in 2001 called the “Community Players.” She said “Ramona” has two great casts full of very tal-ented actors, some who have lots of experience and some who are stepping on stage for the first time.

“I’m very proud of all of them,” Parrish said. “They learned their lines quickly and they’re a lot of fun. It’s going to be a great show.”

Future plays under Parrish’s direction are “Aladdin,” which is set to play this summer, and “Wiley and the Hairy Man,” which will be performed at the Walker County Community Theater.

Tickets for “Ramona Quimby” are $12 for adults, $9 for students and seniors 55 and older. For more information, call 706-935-9000 or go to colonnadecenter.org.

“Ramona Quimby”

March 29-31, 7:30 p.m.

Matinee, March 31, 1 p.m.

The Colonnade Civic Center

264 Catoosa Circle

Ringgold, Ga.

706-935-9000, ext. 103

colonnadecenter.org