Old-fashioned carnival games, Christmas carols, an original play and some seasonal snacks should inject some ho-ho-ho spirit into the Grinch-iest heart as Tree House Youth Theatre presents Winter Wonderland 2.0.
This year’s Christmas production will continue to celebrate Red Deer’s centennial, taking the audience back a century, or so, to the days of the Alberta Ladies’ College.
The one-act play, written by Matt Gould, centres on young Mavis Sullivan, who’s worried about missing her school’s Christmas pageant because she’s in bed, recovering from pneumonia.
But despite having her sister Esther at her side, a napping Mavis somehow gets transported to her school gymnasium just in time to see her classmates put on their Christmas concert.
What unfolds should be a magical experience for Mavis as well as the audience.
“It’s sort of a variety show, with some Christmas carols and poems,” said Gould, who describes the 45-minute play as being light-hearted and sentimental.
“I think it’s going to be really fun. We’re going to make it a nice, warm experience.”
Besides watching the play, which involves a cast of nine actors from nine to 11 years old, the audience will also hear older Tree House teenagers sing and recite some seasonal selections.
The older youths will depict elves and carnival workers to encourage audience participation.
Gould said old-time pitch-and-toss challenges, as well as games of strength and skill will be offered as part of the Winter Wonderland experience. Refreshments and finger foods will also be served.
“Hopefully, we will have a nice, heartwarming, sweet evening,” said Gould.
Tickets for the 7 p.m. shows, which runs Friday and Saturday Dec. 6 , 7, 13 and 14 (Saturday matinees are at 2 p.m.), can be purchased singly for $22.50 from treehouseyouththeatre.ca, or as a group event for company Christmas parties.
For more information, call 403-986-0631.
lmichelin@bprda.wpengine.com
