Victorian Players are ready to spread Christmas spirit

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Victorian Players, in conjunction with Centaur Stage Productions, will renew its holiday tradition by presenting “In the Spirit of Christmas,” a special evening of one-act plays that it started more than a decade ago.

“In the Spirit” is a completely new production every year; only the name remains the same. The holiday-themed one-acts express the joy, hopefulness and happiness of the season. It is meant to bring laughter and a warm feeling.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Dec. 11 and 12; and 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 13. Tickets are $12 ($9 for senior citizens and students). For reservations, call 330-746-5455. The theater is at 702 Mahoning Ave.

This year’s production includes three one-acts: “Christmas in the Land of Oz,” “Christmas with Little Women” and “An Implausible Clause.”

“Oz” tells the story of Dorothy (Morgan LaCamera) and Toto (Cody McMurray) as they return to Oz to find Christmas spirit for Aunt Em (Sarah Schut) and Uncle Henry (Gary Deckant,). Instead, she finds that a new witch (Catina Core) has stolen Christmas. With the help of her old friends the Scarecrow (Bob Gerdes), Tin Man (Nathan Skaggs) and Lion (Brandon Palomaki), they go to the witch’s castle and confront her. A host of children age 4 to 12 bring the Munchkins and winged monkeys to life, while veteran stage actors fill the roles of the other characters: Glinda (Lindie Schwarten), Wanda June (Brandi Hughes) and Lady Lion (Mia Alvaugh).

Playing Munchkins and monkeys are Kiley and Colton Johnson, Cameron Easterling, Aiyana Moore, Verity Osborne, Roan Thomas, Abbie, Kara and Maddie Planey, Bella Trimboli, Jayden Taylor, Xander Wilder and Nica and Kareena Mulichak. Wanda June’s roadies are played by Cameron Easterling and Josh Ford.

“Little Women” is adapted from the Christmas chapters of the Louisa May Alcott classic novel, and takes place over two Christmases during the Civil War as the family of women grow up, fall in love and discover the real meaning of happiness. In the cast are Morgan LaCamera, Jessica Grow, Elainie and Heleena Huncik, Heather McKenzie, Rachel Conrad, Carter Monroe, Kristy Sharp and Stephen Kountz.

“An Implausible Clause” shows what happens when a 9-year-old precocious little girl (Hannah Planey) from New York City breaks into the “HOHOHO Hotline” and follows the address. She winds up at the Evergreen Retirement Home in Jersey City, where she meets Aaron Lefkowitz (Sam Luptak Jr.), a crotchety old Jewish man who only wants to be left alone. Marisa Keyshock plays the nurse. What follows is a heartwarming and life-changing Christmas friendship.