Baker theater students are bringing Mark Twain’s stories to life this month. The play “A Mark Twain Storybook” is a contemplation of Twain’s books and short stories, including Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and The Prince and the Pauper. The works are told by a modern traveling acting troupe composed of six actors who play 12 roles throughout the play.

Sophomore Emi Kniffin plays the narrator and Huckleberry Finn.

“This play is much more light-hearted than the last show we did,” Kniffin said. “It is designed to entertain an audience as opposed to moving or informing an audience.”

The previous show was “The God Committee,” a drama about a hospital committee designated to choose which patients will receive a heart.

“In dramatic shows, I feel like I really become the character I’m playing,” Kniffin said. “But in comedic shows I’m just trying to be goofy. Dramatic shows are definitely more meaningful.”

The play director, Associate Professor of Theatre Tom Heiman, said that the actors will be interactive with the audience.

“There is no safe place to be in this theater,” Heiman joked, “which is consistent with my directing.”

Heiman said Mark Twain was one of the most famous Americans of his time. Twain was aware of God’s sense of humor and incorporated that aspect in his work. Twain’s characters often find their worlds turned upside down and do not always get what they deserve.

Heimen ensures that, in the play, “goofiness will ensue.” The cast will be using “tacky and cheap-looking” props, so there will be no risk in damaging expensive props. Some actors will have added personal improvisations to their characters.

Junior MacKenzie Sammons has participated in many of the theater department’s productions during her time at Baker. She is the lighting designer for this production.

“Going from a production like ‘The God Committee’ to Mark Twain can be a challenge, especially in an atmosphere that could use some laughter,” Sammons said. “And that’s what ‘A Mark Twain Storybook’ is all about making people laugh and maybe learning a few new things along the way.”

Sammons said this production is similar to the fall 2012 comedy, “Robin Hood” because it is fast-paced and full of non-stop fun, and it may even “jerk your funny bone and strum your heart strings.”

“A Mark Twain Storybook” will be performed in Rice Auditorium Nov. 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m.