by Davy James, Staff Writer
Local residents will help kick off the holidays on Dec. 5 as they perform in the play “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” at the Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College.
”It’s a really nice family show,” said Becki Rosenthal, a sixth-grader from Dayton who will portray one of the Marshall children in the play. “It’s very heartwarming and fun. If you’re in the audience it really feels like you’re a part of the play.”
Becki first caught the acting bug when she was attending Indian Fields School and saw her older brother acting in a play.
”I saw him up there and thought, ‘wow, I wish I could be up there too,’” she said. “Acting is fun because you’re basically goofing around and if that is part of your character, then you’re doing it right.”
Maryrose Brendel, a third-grader from Cranbury who will also be performing in the play, said she enjoys each aspect of the performance.
”I really like singing and moving around on stage,” she said. “In the beginning we go down the aisles to involve the audience. It’s a really good play and it has a really good story to it.”
Melissa Marciano, a second-grader from Plainsboro, will be making her acting debut in the show.
”I’m kind of nervous, but it’s pretty much easy,” she said. “I get to throw a tantrum on stage and that’s a lot of fun. Every part of this has been fun so far and I’m making a lot of friends.”
Performances will take place Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 6 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets cost $8 for children, students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. The theater is also participating in the Toys for Tots drive, and theatergoers are encouraged to drop off a new unwrapped toy for a needy child in the lobby of Kelsey Theatre. For more information, call 609-570-3333.

