Come fill your evening with festivity while experiencing two heart-warming, staged readings specially selected for the holiday season. The Velveteen Rabbit & The Gift of the Magi feature local directors and cast members, including several of the theater’s youngest thespians – students from the Methow Valley Elementary school who have been participating in the Cub Club after school program.  Students worked with director, Sue Gottula on their dramatic reading skills during the after school club hours and then joined the combined adult & youth cast in rehearsals.

The Velveteen Rabbit, based on the book written by Margery Williams, is adapted by Anita Larsen for the stage and beautifully renders the miraculous story of a stuffed animal made real by a child’s love and a little magic.  The Gift of the Magi is based on O. Henry’s classic short story and is adapted by Thomas Hischak for the stage.  In the story, Christmas approaches with little money at hand.  Jim and Della each end up selling their most valuable possessions in order to buy the other’s Christmas present.  The ironic O. Henry ending is both humorous and bittersweet as both characters discover a more realistic world.  A world dominated by their love.

Each script will be presented in “Reader’s Theater” style in which the cast members have their scripts on stage and there is minimal set and costumes.  For several years, The Merc has produced Reader’s Theater Productions and audiences have come to love the intimate, literary look at dramatic scripts.  You are sure to enjoy it again this holiday season.

Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. Come early and view art on display by Liberty Bell High School students.  Also, in December, The Merc’s gallery is a great place to do your holiday shopping!  When you come see the performance, you’ll find the theater’s annual silent auction full of local goods and services awaiting your bid. Auction runs through December 11^th and helps support The Merc’s annual costs.  Visit www.mercplayhouse.org or call 997-7529 for more information.

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DATES: Dec 9-10, 7pm; Dec 11, 2pm. Admission by donation. LOCATION: Merc Playhouse in Twisp. CONTACT: www.mercplayhouse.org or 509-997-7529.