Remember how Charlotte taught Wilbur to read in "Charlotte's Web"? Or how Belle incited a love of literature in the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast"? Well, your kids likely do, and on Tuesday, May 19, they will surely delight in watching these beloved characters and more come to life, all with the unified goal of supporting literacy in Rochester's kids.

Literacy Alive! is the latest in a long list of successful marriages of literature and live theater produced by Rochester Children's Theatre. This first-ever showcase will bring together community leaders, literacy program representatives, live performances, and fun in an event designed to promote literacy and reading for kids.

RCT actors will perform excerpts from its most recent season, including scenes from "Charlotte's Web," "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe." Each scene was chosen for how it illustrates the importance of reading. On hand will also be Mayor Robert Duffy and Rochester School Superintendent Jean-Claude Brizard, who will read excerpts from "Rochester Freedom Heroes: Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony," a book authored by students at Edison High School. Kid-friendly crafts, games, and other activities round out the fun. Best of all, it's all free.

The tie between RCT and literacy is a natural one. Since 1991, the company has been producing plays that are all literature-based, performing them both in-house as well as traveling to schools throughout New York state.

Although open to the public, Literacy Alive! will also serve as a gathering place for those on the front lines for literacy. More than 5000 educators from a nine-county region have been invited, and there will also be representatives present from various literacy and children's programs from throughout the region. Additionally, 100 RCSD students from city school after-school programs will be transported in and will receive copies of the book read by the mayor and superintendent.

Literacy Alive! will be held Tuesday, May 19, 4-6 p.m. in the Time Warner Cable Outdoor Family Theater on the Nazareth College campus, 4245 East Avenue. For more information check the RCT website at rochesterchildrenstheatre.org or call 385-0510.