IF YOU GOWhat: “Out of the Kitchen, Mrs. Claus.”When: 7 p.m. today, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.Where: Dalton Little Theatre, 210 N. Pentz St., Dalton, Ga.Admission: $15 adults, $12 seniors, $10 students, $5 children 12-under.Phone: 706-226-6618.
Never let it be said Santa is not a hands-on chief executive. But, in testing a new skateboard, he’s hurt his back, and now Christmas is threatened.
What to do?
Audiences will learn a little of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering at the North Pole when the Dalton Little Theatre Youth Ensemble presents four performances of “Out of the Kitchen, Mrs. Claus” this weekend.
The comedy, by Eleanor Harder, was first presented at the theater to rave reviews seven or eight years ago, said director Elizabeth Reeves.
“It was a favorite,” she said. “That should help get an audience out.”
Reeves said much of the humor is in the dialogue, but there is a little bit of physical comedy.
“Kids can’t get enough of that,” she said.
Reeves said the theater wants to offer “a family, festive Christmas event” with songs between sets of the one-hour show, with cookies and milk, and by allowing patrons to take photographs with Mr. and Mrs. Claus after the show.
She also sought to involve the 26 cast members — all children except for Santa and Mrs. Claus — with their audience by requiring community interaction. As such, each cast member created a Christmas card for a client of Family and Children’s Services of Whitfield County.
“It gives the children more of an incentive,” Reeves said. “The fact that they’re onstage — it’s not just about ‘me.’ It’s about the community, about reaching out, helping others. I think it’s brought them together as a cast.”