Crest Theatre announces holiday show ‘One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall’

Following a major success for Crest Area Theatre in the summer with “The Beverly Hillbillies,” the community theater group will move toward their second show of the year.

Crest Area Theatre has announced their holiday show will be “One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall.” The one-act show follows eight interconnected stories around a Midwestern mall on Christmas Eve. Each story, separated into multiple vignettes, navigates the emotional feelings of a festive season.

Performance dates are scheduled for the start of December, from Dec. 5-7. The show will be directed by CAT President Bill Mullin, with Ahdri Kendrick as an assistant director. The cast can expand to as many as 21, allowing for several opportunities big and small.

Scenarios include a high school couple stealing baby Jesus from the mall’s manger, a lovesick Santa and elf discussing their unfortunate love lives and showboating actors for a production of “A Christmas Carol.”

Auditions are scheduled for Oct. 11-13, with specific times to be announced. Parts are available from high school age to adult. Those interested should follow the Crest Area Theatre Facebook page so they don’t miss an update.

Additionally, part of Mullin’s original vision for the show would involve a community invite to any local talent. Between vignettes, CAT plans to incorporate local acts from the area. As the show nears, those interested should keep an eye out for further announcements.

Although a shorter show, the festive spirit won’t be lost in “One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall,” which Mullin described as “sentimental.”

In other CAT news...

Final totals for revenue and costs of “The Beverly Hillbillies” were presented during CAT’s monthly meeting on Sept. 8. Part of the production was covered using funds from the city of Creston’s Hotel/Motel Grant Program.

Costs not covered by the grant rose to $1,510.60 for the production, the majority toward the set and costumes. Ticket sales reached $5,022.

CAT will look at options for improved wireless communication. The equipment was one of a few choices CAT had agreed to spend additional funds on for future productions. Detailed quotes will be presented at a future meeting.

The community theater group will adopt a grievance policy. This will allow for cast and crew members an official outlet to object and report to any mistreatment during the production of a show.