Rochester leaders say many of the city’s problems can be traced to a common source: the inability to read. That’s why the city is teaming up with a local theatre company to convince kids to open the books.

It may seem like fun and games, as kids are treated to scenes from plays like “Beauty and the Beast,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

“It was brilliant how they did the acting,” said another.

The hope is these scenes from popular plays will increase literacy rates in the city.

“The curriculum is brought to life to them,” said Deborah Haber, Producing and Artistic Director for the Rochester Children’s Theatre.

For 18 years the theatre’s “Plays on Tour” program has brought the plays into schools. Tuesday afternoon was the first time they brought kids to them. Nearly 100 students from the Rochester City School District’s after-school programs were bused to Nazareth College.

“The characters become real,” said Haber. “Oftentimes kids can relate personally to what a character is going through.”

So how exactly do these plays inspire kids to read? Well if “Beauty and the Beast” or “Charlotte’s Web” capture their imaginations on stage, chances are their imaginations will be drawn to the books.

“It’s an ability for us to touch children,” said Haber. “To say, ‘Oh wow, I get it. You know maybe I can read and get that same feeling.’”

The results are important. Mayor Bob Duffy has made increasing literacy a priority. He says the more kids read, the better the chance of fixing crime, poverty and unemployment.

“A lot of times people make very bad decisions in their lives,” says Duffy. “They’re frustrated. They feel that they have no hope. And you know what reading, which is the foundation block of education, it provides hope.”

Of course the kids visiting Nazareth didn’t care about literacy rates. They just enjoyed the shows, and are ready for summer.

“What are you going to do this summer,” a boy was asked. “Read lots and lots of books,” he replied.

“Because it teaches you new things,” chimed in a girl.

“Read more books everyday,” said a boy. When asked why that is so important, he replied, “So you’ll get smarter.”

A message you hope sticks with them through life.

Time Warner Cable, the parent company of R News, is a proud sponsor of the “Plays on Tour” program.