Some of the most memorable love stories are told in the nursery: Tinkerbell sacrificing herself for Peter Pan, Robin Hood’s rescue of the Maid Marion, Beauty’s love for an ugly Beast.

And the story of a stuffed, velveteen rabbit who became real because a little boy loved him so much.

The Flint Youth Theatre, under the direction of Jeremy Winchester, has brought “The Velveteen Rabbit,” a tale of love and nursery magic, onto the stage in a beautiful retelling that is filled with wonder, thoughtfulness and a sense of pure play.

It is a very clean production – from the content of the story to the costumes to the set to the blocking. Everything is done with a sense of devotion to the purity of the theme. There is no sense of compromise, either: not in movement, in performance or in technical commitment.

The toys of the nursery make up a Greek chorus, narrating those parts of the story that resist dialog. They also make up the antagonists who mock the Velveteen Rabbit for wanting to be loved and wanting to become real. Each of the chorus creates signature moves and voices that demonstrate the type of toy they represent.

Devin McLean as the title character and Steven Sherman as James are delightful in their ability to play together. We see the love between them, and we understand both how the rabbit becomes real and the price that he pays to do so. The playfulness and physicality between them helps create a pivotal point in the play where the mood and energy levels change.

McLean’s Velveteen Rabbit is easy to love, and he plays up his charm and insecurity in a delightfully shy and naive manner. He grows through the course of the play and gives the audience a view of how love can transform a person.

Rodney Creech as the wise old Skin Horse is another standout performer in this production. He is the voice of experience and knowledge in the nursery, and understands more than anyone the value of friendship.

Based on a book originally written for children, it is the physicality that transforms this play into a lively retelling. Even the set changes become a choreographed dance that moves time along with the trees and house.

Amber Marisa Cook’s costuming is brilliant in the way she created the idea of particular toys, from the sailboat to a baseball to the china doll to the piggy bank. Tim McMath’s scene design created a flexible set that gave a sense of place in a very practical manner.

“The Velveteen Rabbit” is one of the most enduring love stories written for the nursery set. The Flint Youth Theatre’s production is one that has something to say for all ages and families.