When his children's book, "The Elk in the Attic," went on sale in late 2007, author Chris Hoy didn't anticipate that the book's success would lead to his adapting it into a musical play. Hoy, City of Prescott Event Coordinator Dawn Castaneda and Prescott College drama professor Charissa Menefee are working on the adaptation now and plan the play's premier for fall 2010 in the newly renovated Elks Opera House. "The Elk in the Attic" is about drought-weary forest animals that temporarily take up residence in a small town. Nine-year-old Tim Armstrong discovers a bull elk named Bill living in the attic above his bedroom, and he's not the only kid at his school with new animal friends. The adults grow increasingly concerned, while the anxious animal visitors, trained by Coyote and guided by Grandmother Owl, struggle to survive among humans. Just as events threaten to get out of hand, high-flying Eagle returns from a trip to the top of the world with news about a welcome change in the weather. Hoy advises young readers, ages 7 to 10, to read "The Elk in the Attic" and consider auditioning for parts in the play next spring. A sample chapter is online at Hoy's website, www.elkintheattic.com and is available for sale at The Worm, Hastings, Highlands Center for Natural History, Sharlot Hall Museum, and Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary gift shops and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce or online at www.elksoperahouse.com.
