OCP returns with annual holiday extravaganza

The cast of "Yuletide" goes through its first official dress rehearsal on Monday night in advance of the Orange Community Players presentation of the annual fundraiser event at 7:37 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10 through Saturday, Dec. 12. Tickets are $25. RECORD PHOTO: Tommy Mann Jr.

Three nights of music and merriment await as a local theater group prepares for the holiday season.

The Orange Community Players present its Fifth Annual Yuletide production at 7:37 p.m., nightly, Thursday, Dec. 10 through Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Playhouse, 708 Division Ave. in downtown Orange. This event is suitable for all ages and tickets are $25 in advance at buy.ticketstothecity.com or at the door.

This year's "Yuletide" production is "A Dicken's Christmas" and is co-directed by Codie Vasquez and Paul Burch.

"We like to change up the theme every year, and we thought 'A Dicken's Christmas' would be appropriate this year," Vasquez said. "The costumes will give it a real visual appeal and will be from that time period."

The production will feature a variety of holiday songs and music, but Vasquez said there has been a little change to this year's entertainment.

"The majority of the songs are classic Christmas carols and choral songs," she continued. "And, this year, very few of the songs will done with pre-recorded music. Instead, we will have live music provided by a pianist, Michael Hudnall, and a guitarist, Mason Forbes, on most songs."

The event with the purpose of serving as a fundraiser to assist the community theater and its performers with much needed funds. The proceeds from "Yuletide," as well as the late spring event, "Fun for Funds," allow the Orange Community Players to purchase much needed items, whether it is staging material, costumes or supplies. It also helps with the upkeep of the aging complex.

Guests who attend each production will be treated to beverages and hor d'oeuvres prior to show, and during intermission there will be beverages and desserts available.

Another change in "Yuletide" this year is the size of the cast. According to Vasquez, the cast numbered anywhere from 40 to 50 people with very few castmembers having more than one featured solo.

"This year we have a small cast. It's under 20 people," Vasquez explained. "A lot of people had plans this holiday, and it's just the way it worked out. But we have a phenomenal amount of talent that people will really enjoy hearing."

For more information, find Orange Community Players, Inc. on Facebook. Call 409-882-9137 for reservations.