One of the joys of watching the Fort Wayne Youtheatre is seeing how the kids work together to present a complete story. Actions and costumes are part of it, but the magic really happens when the stage becomes a window into a new world. The-Steadfast-Tin-Solider-1 Artist-in-Residence Harvey Cocks is one of the reasons this stage wizardry happens, and when he is in charge of making a box of children’s plaything come to life, you can bet it will be a quality production. “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” is a play that will be presented this coming holiday season in the Black Box Theatre, inside the Auer Center for Arts and Culture, 300 E. Main St. This touching fairy tale was originally written by Hans Christian Andersen, the man famous for making other tales, like the Little Mermaid and the Ugly Duckling well-known. In the tale of “The Steadfast Tin Soldier,” a small toy military member tries to convince a pretty ballerina of his affection. In the original story, a host of trials follows the soldier as he at first attempts to convince, and then, tries to protect the dancer from harm. Kids in costume are rehearsing for the Steadfast Tin Soldier play The Fort Wayne Youtheatre will focus on lending this story a Christmas flavor. There will be holiday carols as well as dancing and plenty of toys to see. With all the music and fun on stage, it will turn the ‘box’ theatre into a living display of playthings. A special dance choreographed by the Fort Wayne Ballet will be a part of the presentation, as will an army of tin soldiers – portrayed by a number of young actors in uniform. On the Sunday performance (2 p.m.), the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir Chamber Singers will also make an appearance. The Steadfast Tin Soldier was originally presented as the very first play by the Fort Wayne Youtheatre in 1934. Harvey Cocks has revived the play for the Youtheatre’s 80th anniversary and will also be serving as the director. Fear not – the dialogue used for this play will be thoroughly modern, and viewers will have no trouble understanding the plot. Guests are invited to attend any of the four performances that will take place on December 19 (7 p.m), 20 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.), and 21 (2 p.m.). Those attending the performance on the 19th are also invited to attend the pre-play party (6 p.m. at Artlink). To learn more about ticket pricing, show times, or to learn more about the play, visit the Fort Wayne Youtheatre webpage and scroll down to “The Steadfast Tin Soldier.”