Feature: MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS at Horizon Theatre Company

Horizon Theatre Company has made a habit of bringing back shows that do well, year after year. Take "The Santaland Diaries" and "Avenue Q," for example. However, Atlanta natives are not complaining about a piece of reliable theatre that has become a tradition, such as MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS.

Madeline and her friends have actually become a holiday staple, hitting a 10-year milestone at the Live Five Points-based theatre. Through a partnership with The Atlanta Children's Theatre Company, the show has given 220 local girls the chance to perform alongside professional actors over the last decade. The girls, ages 8 to 13, all hail from public and private schools around the metro-Atlanta area, with homeschooled children in the mix, too.

Attracting families of all sorts, MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS tells the story of Madeline and friends meeting a mysterious stranger who helps the group get home in time for Christmas. Based on the best-selling book of the same title by Ludwig Bemelmans, Jennifer Kirkeby (book and lyrics) and Shirley Mier (music) have created a beloved holiday story that continues to spread holiday cheer for all to hear. (Is it really the holiday if you don't quote "Elf" at least once?)

MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS features Julia Straley, Lara Hodson, Kate Wasick, Rhys Wills, Sophia Rose, Riya Bhatia, Charlotte Lichtenfeld, Kate Kennedy, Eden Luse, Kyleigh Reese, Aris Walker, Molly Pitra, Bailey Mines, Andie Hilliard, Jazmine Sweatman, Mary Kirchner, Connor Willingham, Makaila Howell, Sadie Fuchs, Lillarose Hardin, Kushika Pejavara, Arya Sitolay, Virginia Fischer and Shelby Terry. The professional cast includes Lauren Rosenzweig as Miss Clavel, Vallea Woodbury as Ms. Murphy and Orlando Rebollar as Harsha.

Direction comes from Spring Mason with musical direction from Keena Redding Hunt and choreography from Nicole Johnson.

MADELINE's CHRISTMAS is running now through December 31. Showtimes vary based on the week with weekday performances available. Discounted rates can be purchased for large groups and Girl Scout Troops. Contact boxoffice@horizontheatre.com for more information. All other tickets can be purchased online.