Arcola's Mac Murray Theatre came alive with a play from the Arcola School Junior Drama Club on Dec. 12.
The cast, consisting of students from Grades 5-8, presented a comedy, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas by Arthur M. Jolly.
Performing in front of a large crowd of parents and friends, these students worked on this play for 2 1/2 months to get the production correct.
Director Korinn Lawrence said the students did a fantastic job and exceeded her expectations.
“There is certainly some budding talent, and I look forward to seeing how their skills grow as they get older,” said Lawrence.
The students were very dedicated for the 10 weeks, coming to practices faithfully and staying after school to paint props, learn how to run the lights and sound at the theatre, and set up the stage.
Student intern Asia Temple had approached Lawrence at the beginning of the year and offered to help, which Lawrence said made it easier to run a drama club for younger students.
Although Jolly created the play, the school added many details to create a special true theatrical experience. This included a shared meal between the cast and crew before they headed to the theatre.
They also had personalized tickets and reserved seating for their special guests, making the experience a family affair.
Upon entering the theatre, a silver donation was taken and roses were sold to present to the cast at the end of the show. Guests were escorted to their seats by a student.
The play was based around a poem, An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas, which people often know as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
As the poem is read by narrators Damion Gordon and Mikaiah Kulyk, the students jumped into action.
Papa, played by Braylen Burman, runs to the window regurgitates a long scarf, when the poem states, “I ran to the window and threw up the sash.”
Mama, cast by Heidi Heidinger panics when she hears something on the roof, while Santa, played by Kyaan Horri, takes offence to the description of his body.
There was a chorus line of dancing plums, portrayed by Meiyah Moore, Teagan Workman and Connor Metz, to the children excited about Christmas played by Jilyan Akachuk and Rory Gordon.
This short play had the crowd chuckling and giving the students a big round of applause.
Indra Bohnert and Kenton Maitland took care of the lights and sound, and prop set up was handled by Kylin Hoffman, Teagan Workman, and Gray Klahm. Media print was the responsibilities of Habiba Ami and Maddy Hengen.
“I have a passion for theatre and felt energized each time I met with the students,” said Lawrence. “We had a lot of fun and I am very proud of how well they did with their production.”
It is their hope to continue with tradition in the future.
