Footlight Players to present Christmas play
Christmas play: “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19, at the Triple Locks Theater, 685 N. Whitewoman St. Pictured are cast members Richard McKinley, Mickie Galajda, Heath Chaney, Jess Slaughter, Nathan Mayse, and Shelly Lillibridge. Beacon photo by Josie Sellers
COSHOCTON – The Coshocton Footlight Players upcoming production will make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings.
“Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19, at the Triple Locks Theater, 685 N. Whitewoman St.
“The author, Robert Fulghum, wrote ‘Everything I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ and this is kind of a Christmas sequel to that,” said Susan Metz, who is directing the play. “It features 15 different stories. Some have singing in them, some are hilarious and some are touching, but they are all really good.”
The different stories, in their own way, show the struggle to find the spirit of the holidays amid the avalanche of commercialism, stress and chaos that come with the month of December.
“One of the best things about the show is that everybody in the audience is going to be able to identify with a person or situation in the play,” said Kathy Reid, the stage manager.
The ensemble cast includes Mickie Galajda, Richard McKinley, Shelly Lillibridge, Nathan Mayse, Heath Chaney and Jess Slaughter. The assistance director is Donovan Rice and the producer is Marsha Cusin.
“I’m really excited about this cast,” Metz said. “I think they are some of the best actors and we have a diverse age group, which the script calls for. It’s also truly an ensemble piece. There are no stars.”
Chaney, who said Metz helped get him started in theater, is happing to be working with her again.
“She’s my favorite director and since I’m back in the area going to school I knew I had to do this show,” he said. “It’s great because there is something in it for everybody.”
Lillibridge agreed with Chaney.
“It’s very heartwarming, but at the same time it’s also a comedy,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed the closeness of the cast too.”
Mayse also has enjoyed being a part of the play, especially the way they get to present it to the audience.
“Instead of playing a character you get to be a storyteller,” he said.
Slaughter wanted to be in one more play before she moves this winter and is glad Metz cast her for this production.
“I love Christmas and working with Susan,” Slaughter said. “She’s wonderful.”
Galajda also was happy to work with Metz again and has enjoyed her time with the cast.
“I loved ‘Everything I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten’ and was excited to be part of this,” Galajda said. “It’s funny and touching.”
Like Mayse, McKinley has enjoyed the storytelling aspect of the play.
“You are really cast as yourself,” McKinley said. “You are playing yourself and how you would be under certain situations.”
He also likes that “Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas” will be new for a lot of people.
“At Christmas you always see ‘Scrooge’ and ‘Rudolph,’ but this is something a lot of people haven’t seen,” McKinley said.
The show is suggested for adults and children ages 12 years and older as there is some mild adult language.
To get tickets, call the box office at 740-622-2959 from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 2 to 4 p.m. performance days. They also are available online at www.footlightplayers.com. An opening night reception with light refreshments will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for students
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: Arts & Entertainment
