MOUNT VERNON — Local nonprofit organizations MTVarts and the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium are pleased to partner in a holiday production of “A Christmas Story,” Nov. 25, 26, and 27 at the Knox Memorial Theater. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. on Sunday.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Knox Memorial.
“The board of Knox Memorial Theater is excited to kick off the holiday season by partnering with MTVarts and the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium,” said Cheri Butcher, president of the Knox County Memorial Building, Inc. Board. “Enjoying live theater is a special way to celebrate the holidays and Knox Memorial Theater is a special venue. Knox County is full of talented individuals, and we’re always so proud to showcase their skills on our stage.”
“A Christmas Story” marks the first partnership into production between MTVarts and the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium. MTVarts is the resident theater company of the Knox Memorial, and the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium provides the Knox Memorial with administrative and technical support for rentals and productions.
“It seemed only natural for our two organizations to come together in support of a venue that provides so much for our community,” said Martin Booker, Executive Director of the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium. “It is a great example of what can be accomplished when community organizations work together and combine talent and resources to elevate the arts.”
For nearly 100 years, the Knox Memorial has been an epicenter of local arts, entertainment, education, and community engagements. In 1919, the Knox County Commissioners adopted a resolution to construct the building as a way to honor all veterans of wars past and future, and in 1926, the Memorial was ready for public use.
“A historic building does not stand the test of time without investment, and partnerships are vital to create a thriving local arts culture and to care for our treasured venues. What could possibly be a better collaborative fundraiser than doing live local theater on the stage of the Memorial?” said Janis Stone, MTVarts Business Director.
Today, the Knox Memorial and the Memorial Theater’s 1,000-seat auditorium are considered home to local theater companies, dance troupes, and musical performers, as well as welcoming regional and national touring artists.
With production direction by Ian Fraser Ernsberger and artistic direction by Bruce Jacklin, “A Christmas Story” features Cate Blair-Wilhelm as Miss Shields, Zach Cramer as Flick, Megan Evans as Mother, Aaron Moreland as The Old Man, Andrew Petersen as Randy, Sadie Ryals as Ester Jane, Simon Ryals as Scut Farkus, Carter Skillman as Schwartz, Jillian Snow as Helen, and stars Andrew Duffy as Ralph and Briggs Swallow as Ralphie.
The cast also includes performances by Kate Gottke, Jayson Herbst, Lucas Herbst,
Steve Herbst, Jojo Lobdell, Logan Montgomery, Will Pletcher, Oliver Snow, Annie Stemen, Rosie Stemen, Trey Swallow, and Billy Woodring.
“A Christmas Story” was adapted for the stage by Philip Grecian, and based on the 1983 motion picture A Christmas Story, written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark. Based on the book In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas.
Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold flagpole; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg, and more.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.mvac.org, at the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium office at 214 S. Main St., Mount Vernon, or at the door.
About The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium
The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium is a nonprofit organization created to support and enrich the vibrant arts community in Mount Vernon, Ohio through three pillar arts venues, including Ariel-Foundation Park, Knox Memorial and The Woodward Opera House. The organization provides resources and services for public and private events, attracts nationally recognized, world-class performances to each of the three iconic venues, and facilitates positive visitor experiences to promote tourism and boost economic development in Mount Vernon and throughout Knox County. Learn more at www.mvac.org.
About MTVarts
MTVarts is an all-volunteer, non-profit community theatre production company with proven success providing quality, affordable entertainment to their community.
Rooted in audience-driven programming including the Summer Musical Series, educational outreach through The Classics Series, and the artsIQ Series, youth-oriented performance-based workshops, MTVarts also offers arts education with classes and workshops, as well as special projects such as original works, interactive theatre, partnership events, and more.
Together we are inspiring dreams; teaching skills, instilling confidence and courage; and ensuring quality affordable live theatre. Our core values are all-volunteer, audience-driven, fueled by passion, quality, and innovation. Learn more at www.mtvarts.com.
About The Knox Memorial
The Knox County Memorial Building, Inc.’s mission to enhance the presentation of live theatrical performances and create recreational and educational opportunities for the community while honoring our Knox County Veterans for their service through the vibrant use and exposure of this magnificent 1926 Monument.
With its classic Georgian Revival architecture, soaring Memorial Ballroom, Veterans Hall reception room with bronze bas relief plaques that pay tribute to Knox County, and 1,000-seat Memorial Theater, the Knox Memorial is proud to be a part of a thriving, compelling community of organizations and individuals dedicated to the arts and humanities. Learn more at www.knoxmemorial.org.
Knox Community Hospital proudly supports the vibrant pulse of our community by sponsoring the Life & Culture section on Knox Pages, celebrating the stories and experiences that make our region unique.