(Posted 4:30 a.m., Nov. 24)
OYP Christmas play a treat for the whole family
By Susan Flemming
The Orléans Star

'Tis the season. From hanging a favorite ornament, singing boisterous carols, or baking sumptuous treats most of us cherish holiday rituals.

Among those annual traditions, there is perhaps none more magical or more uplifting than enjoying our best-loved winter and Christmas stories. Like a favourite pair of well-worn slippers, they give us both comfort and joy.

The Beaver family from Chronicles of Narnia will share their collection of favourite winter and Christmas stories on stage in the Richcraft Theatre. Photo supplied

In what has become its own tradition, OYP Theatre School is presenting their annual winter family play; a veritable feast of seasonal stories that will charm and delight audiences of all ages.

Winter Tails, hosted by the Beaver family from the pages of the Chronicles of Narnia, will see some of the season’s most nostalgic and comic characters brought to life on the stage, including the Grinch, Charlie Brown and of course, St. Nick.

Artistic Director of OYP Theatre School, Kathi Langston, is an unabashed adherent to the holiday season in all of its manifestations.

“Family and home is the true Christmas spirit and family has always been the heart of OYP,” says Langston.

With an enthusiastic cast and crew of more than 50, Winter Tails adds to our connections and inspire us to carry those good feelings throughout the year.
“Each and every one of them give themselves so generously to this show and with such joyful commitment,” Langstons attests.

OYP Theatre School offers large scale “all ages” productions each year in late November and in June. Past holiday season productions have included Mary Poppins, The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and most recently The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

“We have entire families join the cast or crew and use the rehearsals and performances as an opportunity for a fun family activity,” says Langston while admitting that the Winter play probably tugs at her heartstrings the most. “With these heart-warming stories of compassion and goodwill, it helps us all feel a part of something bigger than ourselves.”

To catch some of that good feeling, Winter Tails will be performed on Nov. 25 at 6:30, with matinees on Nov. 26 and 27 at 1:30 in the Richcraft Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Group rates are also available. Reservations can be made by calling 613-580-2764.

For more information and tickets visit www.shenkmanarts.ca.

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