The excitement and wonder of the long-awaited midnight visit by Santa Claus, made famous in Clement Moore’s beloved poem, is brought to the stage by the Kelsey Players in a fun and enchanting musical, ” ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Performances will take place Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Kelsey Theatre on the Mercer County Community College campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, according to a press release.
Kelsey Theatre is participating in the Toys for Tots drive. Unwrapped new toys may be dropped off in the theater lobby through Dec. 13.
It is 1822 and Clement Moore, who is a professor at Columbia University, always writes a poem and reads it to his family on Christmas Eve.
However, this year he is feeling pressure because his youngest daughter, Charity, is sick and may die.
As Moore experiences writer’s block, a Christmas mouse named Diana appears to him and two dancing gumdrops – and they (and the audience) help him to write ” ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas” — a magical poem with dancing reindeer and dancing snowflakes delighting all who behold with a very happy ending.
The cast includes Santa of the North Pole as himself; Ken Ambs of Newtown, Pa., as Clement Moore; Ben Cole of Hamilton as William Moore; Diane Wargo of Ewing as Eliza Moore; Ayla Delvalle of Trenton as Margaret Moore; Cameron McCormick of Newtown, Pa., and Mia Godfrey of Robbinsville as Charity Moore; and John P. Costello of Hamilton Square as Mr. Kringle. The production is directed by Diane Wargo.
Tickets are $10 for children, students and senior citizens; and $12 for adults. Tickets may be purchased online at kelsey.mccc.edu or by calling the box office at 609-570-3333 or ordered directly at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35232
Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available next to the building. Assisted listening devices are available upon request. For a complete listing of events, visit www.KelseyTheatre.org
Proof of COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test within 48 hours is required at door, and a mask must be worn inside the theater, according to the press release.