MITTENED Young Company members surround The Theater Project’s Al Miller. “Miracles of School Street” runs Dec. 9 through 18.
T his year, to mark its 40th season, The Theater Project’s holiday show will combine all the age groups who gather at their building in a show called “Miracles of School Street.”
A class of third- through fifthgraders will present “The Penguin Who Saved Christmas,” directed by Lee K. Paige. The drama tells the tale of Penelope, a lonely penguin who is called upon to save Christmas.
“The Elf Rebellion,” by the sixth through eighth grade class, directed by Elise DeRosa, is the story of a near shutdown in Santa’s workshop.
“Fortunately for children worldwide, Santa and Mrs. Claus are quicker of wit than the elves, and Santa’s workshop continues,” a The- ater Project release states.
The Theater Project’s Young Company presents a new take on Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” in this year’s holiday show.
“I decided it was time we took on something classical during the holidays,” director Al Miller said in the release. “This remarkable chorus of high school actors is up to the task, thanks to a lot of hard work.”
In addition to the “Hallelujah Chorus,” the Young Company will provide a visual feast in their sometimes tuneful version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
A cast of actors from the community and The Theater Project’s Professional Ensemble and Center Stage Players stages an adaptation of John Cheever’s short story, “Christmas Is a Sad Season for the Poor.”
“Adapted by Al Miller, Cheever’s touching and humorous story focuses on Charlie, the elevator operator in a New York apartment building in the 1940s,” the release states. “Charlie decides Christmas is not a happy time until the well-todo apartment dwellers change his mind.”
Al Miller is likely to tell a story and Don Weatherbee, company actor and a directing member of The Theater Project’s collaboration with Spindleworks, will present two short holiday dance pieces.
Jim Hall, the theater’s sound designer and composer who also acts with the company, and singer-songwriter Lauryn Hottinger, both of whom appear in “Christmas Is a Sad Season for the Poor,” will add music, including an audience participation piece.
“Miracles on School Street” will be on stage Dec. 9 through Dec. 18, on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Admission is on a pay-what-youwant basis. Tickets are available online anytime at www.theaterproject.com or by calling the box office at 729-8584.
Founded in 1971, The Theater Project has resided at 14 School St. since 1986.
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