Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre will continue its holiday offerings with what has become a Kelsey tradition. The Kelsey Players present “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Children can have their picture taken with Santa after the show.
Kelsey Theatre is on the college’s West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. The
theater is collecting new, unwrapped toys during all performances for donation to
HomeFront in Lawrenceville. A collection box has been placed in the theater lobby.
Based on the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” that Clement Clarke Moore penned as a Christmas present for his children, “Twas” embraces the anticipation and joy of the long-awaited midnight visit by a very special guest, according to a press release.
This musical adaptation features Santa, his eight tiny reindeer, some remarkably talented sugar plums and the cutest mouse in New York City. The Moore family and their neighbors will create a magical winter wonderland circa 1822 New York for audiences of all ages to enjoy, according to the press release.
“A Visit from St. Nicholas” is known for its opening lines, ” ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
“The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap …”
Reprising their roles as Clement and Eliza Moore are Ken Ambs of Newtown, Pa., and Diane
Wargo of Ewing. John Costello of Hamilton Square is Mr. Kringle.
Featured as the Moore children are Nick Torres of Morrisville, Pa., as William Moore, and Dayley Katz of West Windsor as Charity Moore. Cathy Coryat of Cream Ridge will appear as one of the townspeople.
The show’s production team includes director Diane Wargo, music director Pat Masterson,
choreographer Chelsea Wargo, sound designer Bernie McGowen, producer/light designer M. Kitty Getlik, stage manager Ginny McGowen, costumer Kate Pinner and assistant stage
manager Danielle Miller-Winrow.
Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater. For a complete listing of adult and children’s events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. They may be purchased by calling the box office at 609-570-3333 or online at www.kelseytheatre.net