Everybody knows if you snooze you lose, and nobody agrees more than Aesop's lounging Hare when he wakes to find the steadfast Tortoise crossing the finish line. Now The Great Race of the Tortoise and the Hare has been set in an interactive and family-friendly setting by artistic director Tom McCabe, actress Kelsey Flynn and the PaintBox Theatre. Featuring original painted and projected artworks by local children in lieu of a conventional set, and performers who encourage outbursts of audience participation, this educational and entertaining adventure teaches lessons about literacy, goals, dreams, fitness and fun.

March 14, 2 p.m., $7, The Shea Theatre, 71 Ave. A, Turners Falls, (413) 863-2281, PaintBoxTheatre.org.