Rented Christmas

Well, Colson has earned his first legitimate part in a play! He won the role of Willie in Dutch Country Players "Rented Christmas".

Children's Show by Norman C. Ahern Jr. and Yvonne Ahern

Directed by Cathy Zeller

John Dale hasn't enjoyed a "real Christmas" for years. So, on the spur of the moment, he decides to "rent" a Christmas from Anne Weston, who owns the local rent shop. Anne is at first flustered with the requirements: a tree with presents, Christmas carols and also a wife and five children. Anne feels she has solved the problem of a Christmas family by calling the actors' guild. But the young actors come down with the measles so she turns to the local orphanage. When the guild can't locate a "mother," Anne steps in to play the role herself. Based on the short story by J. Lillian Vandervere, the story of how John Dale’s rented Christmas turns into a new life for all concerned makes this a warm story for the holiday season. This is a wonderful tale to get everyone into the Christmas spirit!

This was the first time that Colson got really attached to a specific character in a play. At the auditions, when he'd see other boys auditioning for this part, he'd watch them very intently, and ask me to critique them and compare them to his auditions. He read once, and was hoping so badly to get another shot to read again that he started tearing up. Fortunately he did get a second chance, and he made changes to his rendition based upon what the other actors had done earlier in the evening. It was great to see him really care about something and compete for it.

Ava was fantastic as well. I could hear her from the back row loud and clear. The director was very impressed with her, but didn't have a part that would fit Ava's age. Ava was upset for a moment, but it was a good experience for her. I explained that sometimes you don't get a part not because you aren't a good actor, but because you're not physically right for the part. Maybe you're the wrong age or wrong height or wrong ethnicity or the wrong personality type. Ava seemed to understand that. I also told her that it would always be easier for Cole because there are always fewer boys auditioning than girls. The director did put both Ava and Zachary into the "Carolers" group, so they'll be in the play as well. All in all, a job well done for my 3 thespians!

Mark your calendars to come see the show! There are 5 show times:

December 2, 8pm

December 3 and 4, 1 and 4pm

December 10 and 11, 1 and 4pm

All tickets $7