This is the Sixtieth article in a semi-permanent column for Stroud Arts that appears in the Stroud American. The mission of these articles is to inform, educate and inspire you, the reader, to Make Art Happen in your life and the life of our community.
The classic Christmas poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” or as it is better known,“Twas the Night Before Christmas,” will be making two theatrical performances in Lincoln County this weekend.
The first “Twas,” will be a One-Act family Christmas play performed for streaming at the recently redecorated Lincoln County On-Stage at 108 East 8th Street.
This will be the first play performed at LCOS since the Covid crisis began and the first ever LCOS streamed production! The play, “Twas the
The play, “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” is an updated take on the classic poem and this version, directed by LCOS Board Member Lusetta Fennell, whose directorial credits include: the Award Winning “Shades of Autumn”, the comedy “39 Steps”, and the touching “Moon over the Brewery,” tells the story of a young girl and her best friend, who happens to be a mouse, as they try to save Christmas.
This family friendly story includes ninja elves, talking twin mice, villainous knights and their henchmen, as they partake in magic sleigh rides, elf cheers, sword fights, altered Christmas carols, chases, a bit of rap, and of course, appearances by Santa Claus himself.
Follow LCOS on Facebook and keep up with this column in the Stroud American for information regarding the date and time of release.
The second “Twas” will happen in Stroud on Saturday night in the beautifully decorated gathering place at 316 North 4th Avenue.
This location is being opened for the event by Stroud Chamber of Commerce President Kyle Anderson.
This will be the first theatrical event performed at this space and open to the public. Health and sanitation protocols, including social distancing and masks, will be followed and due to the social distance requirement, seating is limited to 30 guests so first come, first served.
The space will open immediately after the Stroud Christmas Parade and there is no admission fee but donations to offset the cost of the event will be appreciated.
Cookies baked by the Junior Chamber of Commerce will be provided.
This event will feature a recitation of the classic Christmas poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by a member of Stroud Arts.
This poem was first penned in 1823 by Clement Clark Moore and is actually titled “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” The poem has been called “arguably the best-known verses ever written by an American” and is largely responsible for some of the conceptions of Santa Claus from the mid-nineteenth century to today. It has had a massive effect on the history of Christmas giftgiving. “A Visit from St. Nicholas” eventually was set to music and has been recorded by many artists.
The seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas are special times to spend with our friends, family and loved ones.
Take time to celebrate this season by attending one, or both of these presentations of a Christmas classic, as we, in Lincoln County… Make Art Happen.