Colonel Players presenting ‘A Miscreants Christmas’ Thurs. and Fri. at WCHS

A big part of the Christmas season is about coming together, despite our many differences. That is the main theme behind “A Miscreants Christmas,” which will be performed by the Colonel Players at Whitley County High School this Thursday and Friday, Dec. 14-15.

“Santa Claus has been kidnapped, and Mother Christmas has gathered an assortment of goofy characters from various Christmas stories,” explained senior Ethan Elswick, who plays jolly old St. Nick himself. “They are all trying to find out what has happened to him.”

“It is definitely an interesting little mystery,” Elswick added. “It has some twists, and is an all-together fun time.”

Typically, the Colonel Players would be presenting plays for competition. Senior Olivia Wynn said that, with “A Miscreants Christmas,” it is nice to not have the added pressure of performing for judges.

“We typically will just do fall and spring presentations, and those are judged,” said Wynn, who is playing a somewhat reformed version of Ebenezer Scrooge. “This not being a contest play is different. There is definitely a more relaxed feeling. You get to breathe a little bit, as there is a little bit more of a margin for error.”

“If you want to experience that jovial holiday feeling, then you should definitely come,” Wynn added.

Haley Moore, who is also a senior, says that despite having social anxiety, being on stage makes her feel empowered. “Having all of those eyes on you, it makes you feel like you are in total control of the room,” she said. “It’s like putting on a mask and becoming a different person.”

Moore credits former director, David Sweet, with initially helping her to get on stage. She says that the Colonel Players have thoroughly enjoyed acting for current director, Sarah Draper, for the past few years, though.

“She has a different style of directing, but I think that everyone has been very happy while working with her,” Moore said of Draper.

One unique aspect of this production is the fact that it is really a team effort between the WCHS drama, choir and art departments. The play will be the central focus, but the Players will be receiving some help on stage at times from members of the school’s choir program. In addition to that, special Christmas cards will be sold at the show featuring original art done by students.

“A Miscreants Christmas” will be presented this Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. in the WCHS cafeteria. Tickets will be $5 per person at the door.