Some publishers thought it was too far out, others couldn't accept a sci-fi story with a female protagonist as its hero and others thought the good-evil conflict was too frightening for children. But eventually it attracted a publisher, and since then it has been staged, filmed and read by millions throughout the world.

The First Stage Children's Theater produces a variety of plays for different age groups. This one is recommended for children 8 years and older. I doubt if most children that young would get much out of it, but there are enough special effects to excite or scare them, and that element might sustain their interest.

It is the story of young Meg Murry, who is something of a misfit among her peers, whose father has been absent for several years on some secret scientific mission, whose little brother Charles is considered an oddball genius and who is generally down on life.

Things suddenly start to change when Mrs. Whatsit appears upon the scene and is followed shortly thereafter by a Mrs. Who. Together, they give this sister and brother team, along with their newfound friend Calvin, another misfit, the impetus to travel through time and space to find the missing parent. The wrinkle in time refers to the power given to them by the triumvirate of Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, to travel to other planets.

Along the way, they are challenged by evil forces, and their mettle is tested. They encounter planets where robotic creatures live in a land of complete conformity, or others where the evil forces are bent on their destruction. Eventually, Father is found, but little brother succumbs to the hypnotic spell of The Man with Red Eyes. How it all ends is for some to discover and others to re-experience.

I saw the Time Cast's performance. Katherine Pollnow as Meg is as impressive as ever, but her little brother Charles, played by John Fernandez, was difficult to hear at times. Maxwell Mainwood, as the anxiety-ridden Calvin, gives an endearing portrayal.

The adult roles are well handled by Aaron Christensen, Matt Daniels, Erica Elam and Marcella Kearns, all playing multiple characters. Matt Daniels is the standout here. His outrageous antics lighten the mood in an otherwise pretty dark play.

Kearns does a fine job of keeping all those special effects coming. Her costume as Aunt Beast was also quite amazing.

Sarah Hunt-Frank's stage design was very creatively done. The dominant dome is a very versatile prop. Sound designers Seth Warren-Crow and Charles Sommers also deserve mention.

Directed by Mark Metcalf, "A Wrinkle in Time" runs through Feb. 19 at the Todd Wehr Theater in the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee. Call 414-273-7206 or visit www.firststage.org for tickets or information on group sales for school groups.