GARDINER – The Open Book Players, Maine’s only performing readers theater group, will present its children’s program, “Once Upon A Time …,” featuring four stories by Hans Christian Andersen, May 19-20 at Johnson Hall.

The four stories include such fairy tale classics as “The Ugly Duckling,” “Thumbelina,” “The Nightingale,” and “The Emperor’s New Suit.” Along with the stories, a young performer from Litchfield, Isaac Fair, will play the part of Hans Christian Andersen, providing audiences with a bit of biographical information about the famous children’s author.

Other actors are Sarah Carpenter, Rebecca Soule, Elijah Washburn, Gwen Fraser, Kenyon Fraser, Emily Hewett, Olivia Merrill, Nick Pooler, Kristen Pooler, Dustin Shepherd, Miranda Shepherd, and Taylor James Crawford.

The performance is directed by Lucy Rioux, assisted by Cindy Turcotte. Additional technical support is being provided by Katie MacLagan and Heather White.

The shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. May 19 and at 2 p.m. May 20. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. For more information, call 582-5717.