The student theater group will give a performance of the classic holiday story to the preschool on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. in the school library.
A show for the general public will on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. in the school commons. There will be a bake sale fundraiser for the theater group.
“It’s been fun to have the freedom to be creative with the story,” said actor Jai Reynolds, a junior. “The audience can expect a light-hearted comedic portrayal with a couple of surprises.”
As the story is read, each line is a cue for actors to spring into action, including all eight reindeer, Santa Claus, a mouse, the moon, sugar plums, Ma in her kerchief and Pa in his cap, and children snug in their beds.
Part of the set is a giant book with the story hand-stenciled in classic typeset by the students.
“All the characters come out of the storybook,” Reynolds said. “There’s a lot of action and fun.”
Theater director Pete Swingle said the students did a good job putting the play and set together and practicing it on short notice.
“We gave them free reign and they came up with some great ideas,” he said.
Sarah Spore is playing the mouse, and likes the play because “I get to wear a fun costume.” Nadya Erlandson is perfecting her reindeer moves playing Comet, and her brother is one of the children.
“We’re excited, and are having a lot of fun being creative and getting into the holiday spirit,” she said.
The poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” was first published in 1823 and is attributed to Clement C. Moore. The story’s depiction of Santa Claus lives on, as does its focus on gift giving.
The next play for the Dolores theater group is “Man of La Mancha,” scheduled for a spring performance.