Dallas Children’s Theater presents “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” the irresistible escapades of a boy and a hungry, mischievous mouse, from Jan. 20 through Feb. 26, at DCT’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts.

Home alone and warned not to make a mess, a young boy discovers if you give a mouse a cookie…anything can happen! Physical comedy reigns supreme in this delightful stage adaptation of Laura Numeroff’s extremely popular book.

“The show is a rollicking good time, in the lighthearted style of a Saturday morning cartoon,” director Nancy Schaeffer said. “Oversized props, plus super-sized shtick equals gigantic giggles for both little ones and grown-ups, even teens with fond memories of this much beloved book.”

Laura Numeroff is the author of more than a dozen popular books for children, and DCT’s Nancy Schaeffer is a veteran at presenting Numeroff’s works for the stage. Ms. Schaeffer obtained special rights from HarperCollins to adapt two Numeroff bestsellers, based on the same concept, for DCT audiences: “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” (2000) and “If You Give a Pig a Party” (2006). DCT first presented “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” in 2005, and, at that time, it was DCT’s highest selling show to date. DCT is proud to reprise this family favorite for the “If You Give” series fans.

Ms. Schaeffer’s husband and DCT veteran actor, Mr. Karl Schaeffer, reprises his role as the attention-seeking, ever-energetic, adorable mouse in one comedic lazzi after another. Mr. Schaeffer, a natural physical comedian, really shines in scenarios involving jumbo props and larger-than-life scenery. Some of the standouts include encounters with a straw, a huge rubber glove and a routine reminiscent of the famous “mirror” scene from the Marx Brothers movie, “Duck Soup.”

This time around, DCT enhances the circus attributes of the production. Mr. Schaeffer is going the extra mile and training with Fanny Kerwich, an eighth generation circus artist of French descent and the founder of Lone Star Circus, a Dallas-based, non-profit organization, which promotes circus arts through training and performance. Set design by Randel Wright hints at the circus theme, with set pieces and video projections inspired by “The Big Top” tent.

Fast becoming a DCT favorite is Scott Zenreich, as “the boy,” who last appeared on DCT’s stage this season as Alexander in “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.”

DCT prides itself in bringing literature to life and presenting the child’s unique perspective. Similar to the children’s book that inspired the play, and a great example of how a child is empowered by taking on a parental role, this production is ideal for the youngest of audience members. It is an excellent introduction to theater, as well as lively entertainment for all ages. Enjoyed by ages four and up.

Attend the final dress rehearsal on Wed., Jan. 18, at 7:30 p.m. and pay-what-you-can! A suggested donation is $10 per person.

The theater is located at 5938 Skillman Street, Dallas 75231. The DCT Box Office number is 214-740-0051.

Tickets also available on-line at dct.org.