BoarsHead’s Young People’s Theater has added an extra twist to the classic tale “Hansel and Gretel” by using children in the audience as the seventh cast member.

The children will be allowed to suggest ways to get Hansel and Gretel away from the evil witch and return to their father.

Carrie Jay, who plays Gretel, said the company wanted to change the classical tale of Hansel and Gretel to make it more exciting.

“Our show is different because it is a play within the play,” Jay said. “The Cracker Jack Traveling Troupe is our theater company (in the play) and we argue over which play to perform.”

Jay said that’s when the audience participation comes in and helps the troupe decide to perform “Hansel and Gretel.”

“Hansel and Gretel” is about a sister and brother who are abandoned in a forest by their wicked stepmother. The children are then led by a magical bird to a little house in the forest occupied by an evil witch who likes to eat children.

The children manage to kill the witch and escape with her treasure. After returning home with the treasure, they realize their wicked stepmother is gone and reunite with their father.

Neil Necastro, who plays Hansel, said allowing the children in the audience to participate helps with the message of the play, which is about communicating and problem solving

“I think the children enjoy helping make some of the decisions and enjoy the entertainment at the same time,” Necastro said.

“Hansel and Gretel,” directed by Debra Baron, runs until Saturday at the theater, 425 S. Grand Ave. in Lansing. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. All showings before Thursday are reserved for student matinees. General ticket prices are $6 and $5 for a group of 12 or more. For more information call BoarsHead at (517)484-7800.