If you go
› What: “Christmas Thieves”› Where: Dalewood Middle School, 1300 Shallowford Road› When: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, and Saturday, Dec. 16; 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17› Admission: $10 ages 13 and older
Labron Young plays Deacon Flint.Two robbers get more than they intend when they break into the Rev. Larry Watson's home at Christmas.
They want presents, technology and anything else they can hock, but Watson insists on telling them about Jesus Christ and he will not be deterred. Even after thieves threaten and tie up his wife, Watson continues talking.
"Christmas Thieves" runs for three nights in Dalewood Middle School's auditorium. It opens at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, and continues Saturday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, free for children 12 and younger. Tickets will be sold at the door.
"It's hilarious. It's very funny. You'll get a good message and a good laugh for the night," says Jamiku Gee, who plays the pastor's wife.
Long-time local playwright and actor Charles Patterson directs the play, a production of the Orchard Knob Drama Ministry and his own Christal Entertainment. Front Porch Alliance has helped sponsor the event.
Patterson wrote the play based on a story he read, "Two Thieves For Christmas," about a pair of thieves breaking into a church. It's the first play Patterson has directed since retiring from the Chattanooga Fire Department this year. He retired as a captain after more than 30 years of service.
Director Charles Patterson watches a rehearsal for "Christmas Thieves" at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church.Christal Entertainment's website lists Patterson as having acted in or directed 22 plays in 22 years from 1992 to 2014.
Retired Fire Chief Lamar Flint plays the Rev. Watson of Riverside Baptist Church. Lawrence Sneed, who directed "The Color Purple" in 2014, plays Elroy, the thieving Santa. Lebron Young is Deacon Flint and church member Sis Turner is played by Veronique Davenport. George Johnson plays the policeman.
The show also features new talents Rosie Hart Russell, Wanda Bufford, Kaden Herman and Jamya Rogan.
"We're using comedy, a little bit of slapstick, to present a message in an entertaining way," said comedian Brandalyn Shropshire, who makes a special appearance as Sister Poinsettia.
"It doesn't matter where you come from," said Travis Johnson, who plays Meechie, Santa's elf and partner in crime. "You can be a preacher or a thug off the street. God wants all of us."
Contact Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6431.