It's going to be another busy day at the Erie Playhouse as they see an invasion of school students coming to watch a book come to life in musical form.

Thursday was the start of four straight days of performances of the musical version of the children's book, "Excellent Ed".

It's a team effort involving the playhouse and the United Way's Imagination Library Program.

Author, Stacey McAnulty, gave the playhouse permission to put on the show, using her work. Additionally, the kids in the audience each get a free copy of the book.

"Reading is the most important thing for children to stay on track for school. Reading is foundational, it's fundamental to all learning and the sooner we can get our kids at grade level for reading the better, and that's what this program encourages," said Laurie Root,. President United Way Erie County.

The Erie Playhouse has more sold-out shows for school students today, and there are two more public performances on the weekend schedule.

They'll do the 25-minute show at the playhouse both Saturday and Sunday.