MADISON — In 1908, British author Kenneth Grahame published “The Wind in the Willows,” which has become a mainstay in children’s literature.

Set in rural Edwardian England, the book follows the lives of Ratty, Mole and Badger as they are caught up in the exuberant adventures of Toad. who happens to possess a penchant for fast motor cars.

The musical adaptation of this whimsical story, written by Douglas Post, takes center stage at Rabbit Run Theater in the theater’s summer Youth Production, “The Wind in the Willows.”

The show is directed by Maria Thomas Lister. Although this is Lister’s first directorial experience at Rabbit Run, she served as the director for Rabbit Run’s Theater Camp for several years in the 1990s. She has appeared on stage at the theater most recently in this year’s production of “Moon Over Buffalo” and last season in “Having Our Say,” the “Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years” and “Fallen Angels.”

“I really became aware of ‘The Wind and the Willows’ when my children were small and just fell in love with Ratty, Toad and the rest,” said Lister. “I was so excited when I heard that Rabbit Run was going to produce the musical and feel quite privileged to be able to direct it. The cast is made up of nearly 40 very talented young people who have almost limitless energy, which is a director’s dream for a show like this.”

Anyone who frequents community theater in northeast Ohio is no doubt familiar with at least one or more members of the Sandham family. In Von Trapp-like fashion, all seven of the Sandham children have been or are involved in theater. The cast of “Wind in the Willows” boasts the talents of the three youngest Sandhams: Chrisanna, age 10, as Mole, Lincoln, age 14, as Badger, and Stephen, age 8, as Randolph.

Other cast members include Cassie Kahr (Piper), who recently performed with Radio Disney’s Pop Squad and has sung at Cleveland Indians and Captains games. The lead role of Toad is performed by Alex Ulle, who has appeared in numerous productions at Rabbit Run and the Fine Arts Association.

Musical direction for the show is provided by Chris Bott. A graduate assistant to the musical theater program at Ball State University, Bott is pursuing a masters degree in music theory. Hannah Ziegler, a recent fine arts graduate from Lake Erie College serves as the choreographer. The assistant director/stage manager is Kent State University sophomore Brian Crowley.

“The Wind in the Willows” opened Wednesday with two shows Saturday, at 3 and 8 p.m. Tickets may be purchased on line at www.rabbitrunonline.org or by calling the box office at 440-428-7092, Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 7 p.m. Rabbit Run Theater is located at 5648 W. Chapel Road.