THEATER FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES : Mr. Toad and his friends hop to it in an adaptation of ‘Wind in the Willows.’

The irrepressible Mr. Toad and his colleagues from the children’s classic “The Wind in the Willows” sing and dance their way to adventure Sunday in a new musical adaptation that will open the Norris Theatre’s Spring Children’s Series.

“Wind in the Willows” is the first of four shows scheduled for the children’s series, specially selected productions that are recommended for youngsters ages 5 through 11 and their parents. Each production presents drama, music, mime, magic or comedy in a show that is crafted to captivate young imaginations.

The Golden State Children’s Theatre Company presents its original adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind in the Willows “ as a musical journey, introducing characters from the popular children’s tale through 14 musical numbers, including “Toad’s Ode to the Road,” “Me, Me, Me, Me,” “Best Friends” and the title song, “Wind in the Willows.”

The play follows good friends Mole, Ratty, Otter and Badger as they try to save their daredevil pal, the conceited but lovable Mr. Toad, from himself. Toad’s passion for speedy roadsters make him a hazard, and his friends decide that he needs to be locked away temporarily for his own good.

The endearing characters join high-speed chases and plan swift escapes as they dodge and ultimately battle their enemies, the wicked weasels. The upbeat and colorful show stays true to the well-loved book, providing lessons on friendship, cooperation and the importance of taking responsibility for your actions. Show times are 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $12.

The children’s series continues March 28, when clown, mime and acrobat Jim Jackson opens his magical world to young South Bay audiences. Jackson combines theater and circus artistry to prove his theory that “balance is nothing more than finding the middle between falling down and falling up.”

Jackson’s character Sole is a clown whose world is a giant playground. Although Sole manages to master the unicycle and the slack-rope ladder, he seems incapable of standing on solid ground. Show times are 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $10.

In April, young audiences can set sail with the villainous Long John Silver and his pirate crew on a ship bound for Treasure Island. Youngsters will meet up with young Jim Hawkins, old Billy Bones, Captain Flint and the other memorable characters of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel as they voyage back to the dangerous days of the 1740s when pirates ruled the seas.

The play presents an action tale of swashbuckling adventure on the high seas where good and evil collide. Orange County’s performing group Theatrefaire will perform the classic story April 25. Show times are 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $12.

The Janet & Judy Show, featuring identical twins known for musical comedy based on sassy sibling rivalry, will close the children’s series with a performance May 23. Lifelong entertainers, Janet & Judy pride themselves on a routine that appeals to children and adults.

Their easy-to-follow, original musical numbers have been awarded the Parents’ Choice Gold Seal Award for Best Children’s Recording in America. Show times are 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $10.

The Norris Theatre is on Crossfield Drive at Indian Peak Road in Palos Verdes. Free Parking is available. Information: (310) 544-0403.