DANVILLE — A non-traditional pilgrimage will take place this weekend on the stage of the Kathryn Randolph Theatre as the Red Mask Children’s Theatre presents “The Canterbury Tales, or … Geoffrey Chaucer’s Flying Circus.”

Characters, or “pilgrims,” from Chaucer’s original late 14th century work comically weave their way in and out of the production, telling their tales.

However, these Chaucer pilgrims speak their accounts not in Middle English, but in a humorous and sometimes Monty-Python-styled way.

“Audiences can be prepared to have a good time and laugh and gain an appreciation for what these children have put together in a short time,” director Amy Wharton said, noting many of the 30 kids involved have been double or triple-cast in roles. “I don’t think most adults could do what I’ve asked these children to do.”

Wharton said she liked the script because it’s funny, but still stays true to the original spirit of the tales. It also has 60 speaking parts of all sizes, which provided for many children to have a role.

Those roles range from the Wife of Bath, who gives advice on successful husbandry, because she’s had so many; Alex of Trebbek, a game show host; King Larry, a talk show host; and all seven deadly sins.

Alexis Simmons, 13, of Danville, plays narrator Harry Bailey. She’s been acting since fourth grade and does three to five productions each year.

Her role consists of 117 lines and she just finished performing in the Danville Light Opera production “Wipeout” where she had a role with 150 lines.

“Some of my lines are very funny and some of the tales are very funny and energetic, for kids, too,” Simmons said. “It’s funny altogether. It’s one of my favorite Red Mask plays.”

Simmons said she enjoys acting because the stage is a place where you’re allowed to do as you feel.

“I like how you can do anything you want to, or do any actions and nobody will make fun of you,” Simmons said. “You can escape from the outside world. It’s a good hobby to have.”

Wharton said children’s theater is an important part of a community. It promotes literacy, builds children’s self-confidence and self-esteem.

“It also gives them a chance to be something that’s bigger than themselves and give back to their community,” Wharton said.

Meredith Black, 12, of Danville, plays the roles of Mrs. Bailey; one of the seven deadly sins, Anger; a citizen; and the nun’s priest.

She picked up the role of the nun’s priest late in the practice schedule, and said it’s turned out to be her favorite part.

“When you have big parts that seem overwhelming you can get nervous, but there is more than one way to calm yourself down,” Black said.

Her method is to take a few deep breaths while waiting for her cue.

“I am confident in the cast and we’re going to have a terrific opening night,” Wharton said.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the theater’s box office from 6 to 8 p.m. today and Thursday, or during the hour before each performance and cost $5 each for adults, or $3 for children 11 years old and younger.

IF YOU GO

“The Canterbury Tales, or… Geoffrey Chaucer’s Flying Circus” will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Kathryn Randolph Theatre on North Vermilion Street. Tickets can be purchased at the theater’s box office from  6 to 8 p.m. today and Thursday, or during the hour before each performance. Cost is $5 each for adults or $3 for children 11 years old and younger.