'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Is First of Three Holiday Shows at Kelsey Theatre

Three family shows are coming to Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre in December that will add to the festive holiday season.

The month kicks off with a Kelsey holiday tradition. 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS embraces the joy of the long-awaited midnight visit by none other than Santa. Family audiences will delight in the Kelsey Players' musical adaptation of the famous poem by Clement Moore, originally penned as a Christmas present for his children. The show features Kris Kringle, along with his eight tiny reindeer, some remarkably talented sugar plums, and the cutest mouse in New York City. The Moore family and their neighbors will create a magical winter wonderland circa 1822 New York for audiences of all ages to enjoy.

Performance dates and times are Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $10 for seniors, students and children. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. The theater is an official drop-off site for the Marine's Toys for Tots annual holiday drive. Patrons are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy in the drop box located in the Kelsey Theatre lobby. Donations will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 14.

The TWAS cast stars Ken Ambs of Newtown, Pa., as Clement Moore; Diane Wargo of Ewing as Eliza Moore; Carter Erickson of Yardley, Pa., as William Moore; Abby Scatena of Robbinsville as Charity Moore; and John Costello of Hamilton Square as Mr. Kringle.

Also featured are Jillian Ambs of Newtown, Pa., Logan Ambs of Newtown, Pa, Mason Ambs of Newtown, Pa., Jayden Anderson of Trenton, Taylor Bell of Hightstown, Alex Bischoff of Hamilton Square, Aimee Clark of Lawrenceville, Hayden Clark of Lawrenceville, Melissa Clark of Lawrenceville, Charlotte Erickson of Yardley, Pa., Bridget Godfrey of Robbinsville, Alexa Hunt of Manahawkin, Freddie Iezzo of Hamilton, Luddy Iezzo of Hamilton, Marla Iezzo of Hamilton, Mateo Iezzo of Hamilton, Makenzie Ivey of Lawrenceville, Peyton Ivey of Lawrenceville, Alexander Johnson of Hamilton, Christian Johnson of Hamilton, Quinzy McCallum of Ewing, Cameron Miller of Morrisville, Pa., Chandler Miller of Morrisville, Pa., Cameron Reardon of Cream Ridge, Leif Simonelli of Hamilton, Rilyn Szabo of Monmouth Junction, Isabel Urban of West Windsor, Tobias Urban of West Windsor, and Zachary Urban of West Windsor.

The production team includes Director Diane Wargo, Musical Director Pat Masterson, Choreographer Chelsea Wargo, Stage Manager Ginny McGowen and Assistant Stage Manager Tara Simonelli. Lighting and sound design is by Bernie McGowen and costumes are by Kate Pinner.

Next up, for two shows only, is A VERY KELSEY CHRISTMAS, a premiere performance presented by Forté Dramatic Productions, on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Musical Director Peter de Mets presents an all-star cast of Kelsey performers in the style of a 1950s television variety show. It's a mix of traditional, Broadway and pop favorites, plus skits and lots of cheer. Tickets are $18 for adults; $16 for seniors, and $14 for children/students.

Capping off the season is the New Jersey Youth Ballet's original hour-long, narrated adaptation of THE NUTCRACKER on Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dancers in full costume will perform to the famous Tchaikovsky score as they transport audiences to The Land of the Sweets. Tickets are $16 for adults, and $14 for seniors, students and children.

Tickets for all shows may be purchased by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333 or online at www.kelseytheatre.net. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Free parking is available next to the theater.

Pictured: Clement Moore (right), played by Ken Ambs, is inspired by a very special visitor. (Photo by Rob Gougher.)

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