INDUSTRY – A dreary evening thick with fog might be enough to dampen holiday spirits for some folks, but not the folks at the Sparrow’s Nest Theater. The cast and crew gathered Wednesday night for one of the few remaining rehearsals of this year’s production: A Christmas Story. The show runs Dec. 1 through Dec. 4.
“It’s a classic. The onstage version stays very faithful to the movie, with the leg lamp and the BB gun. It’s very nostalgic,” Director Diane Leeman said.
Actor Jonathan Sparks, as Randy, dutifully shovels oatmeal into his mouth in a 1940s-style kitchen. The actors work through the scenes, practicing costume changes and lighting cues.
“Well that was awkward,” Sparks quips off-script as he waits on stage in the dark as a lighting cue is practiced.
“But we’re not going to say that during the production … right?” Leeman reminds him.
The tiny theater, often affectionately referred to as ‘The Nest,’ has been providing community theater to the surrounding towns for nearly five years now. Up until 2006 the building was mainly used for its original purpose–a Presbyterian church. When the congregation moved to a church in Starks the building shifted gears, offering space for the Sparrow’s Nest Singers to practice and perform in.
Over the years the group of vocalists evolved to include acting in their repertoire, turning ‘The Nest’ into a full time theater in 2011.
“People come from all over,” Leeman said. “It is truly a community theater.”
This year, The Nest plans to once again offer a structured worship service to local residents, getting back to its original roots. The theater will, however, remain intact and continue to put on productions for their fans.
Performances of ‘A Christmas Story’ are Dec. 1, 2, and 3 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and children under 12, and $25 for families of 4. For reservation or more information call 696-4323.
We are looking forward to taking the boys once again to The Theater. They enjoyed themselves immensely at the last production, as did we!! The actors are amazing :)