George Orwell's Animal Farm is perfect for kids. Hit 'em while they're young, that's what we always say. Don't want any little Stalin-ites running around out there on the playground, after all.

This weekend Olympia Family Theater opens its run of the stage version of Animal Farm, which it says is best enjoyed by kids 10 and older. According to hype, "this dramatization remains faithful to the book's plot and intent and retains both its affection for the animals and the incisiveness of its message."

In other words, watch out for the pigs.

[The Washington Center Black Box, Thursday-Friday 7 p.m., Saturday - Sunday 1 p.m., 512 Washington Street SE, Olympia, 360.753.8585]