MONMOUTH — Theater at Monmouth will present Ruth Stiles Gannett’s adventure story, “My Father’s Dragon” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The family show was adapted for the stage by producing artistic director Dawn McAndrews. Each summer, TAM presents a play for children of all ages adapted from classic literature. “My Father’s Dragon” will run throughout the season including weekday and weekend performances.

When Elmer Elevator hears about the plight of a poor mistreated baby dragon, he packs his knapsack and stows away on a ship headed for Wild Island. Nothing will stop Elmer from rescuing the dragon! With the help of two dozen pink lollipops, rubber bands, chewing gum, and a fine-toothed comb, Elmer outwits the fiercest of beasts and saves the day.

Director Adam P. Blais said this production of “My Father’s Dragon” will “encourage audiences of all ages to use their imaginations, lead with their hearts, and dare to fly,” according to a news release from the theater.

Ruth Stiles Gannett wrote the play just a few years after her graduation from Vassar College in 1944. It was an immediate success, becoming a Newbery Honor Book, and was soon followed by two sequels, “Elmer and the Dragon” and “The Dragons of Blueland.” All three dragon stories have been continuously in print for more than 70 years since their publication.

“My Father’s Dragon” features Mackenzie Shaw as Cat/Dragon; Mike Dolan as Elmer; Emery Lawrence as Mother/Monkey; Ben Shaw as Narrator/Gorilla; and CJ Stewart as Sailor/Rhino, with set design by Stacey Koloski, costume design by Elizabeth Rocha, lights by Daniel Brodhead, and sound by Rew Tippin.

Additional performance dates are set for 1 p.m. July 9, 16 and 23, and Aug. 1, 5, 10, 12 and 17.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for children. Discounts available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information, call the box office at 933-9999 or visit www.theateratmonmouth.org.