Stages Theatre Company Gives Audiences A Fresh Take On 'Twas The Night Before Christmas,' Opens 11/20

Stages Theatre Company (STC) presents a fresh new version of the holiday classic "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," which opens Nov. 20 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Playwright Jennifer Kirkeby and Composer Shirley Mier team up for their fourth production, adapting the classic Clement C. Moore poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas."

This original script mixes well-known holiday themes that audiences will recognize instantly with some surprises. Artistic Director Sandy Boren-Barrett, who is also directing the production, gives some insight. "Audiences will see familiar themes. For example the sugar plum fairies tie back to The Nutcracker."

"'Twas the Night Before Christmas" is a world premiere production that features ballet and musical performances which will delight audiences of all ages beginning on Friday, Nov. 20 and running through Monday, Dec. 28.

In conjunction with 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, STC is teaming up with Toys for Tots and will be collecting new and unwrapped toys for children in need. The toy drive begins Thursday, Nov. 19 (preview) and ends Sunday, Dec. 13. There will be a Toys for Tots box located in the lobby of the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Anyone who drops off a toy is eligible to win a gift basket and draw slips are available during box office hours. Watch the cast perform at the Mall of America on Dec. 15 for Toddler Tuesday and catch a teaser performance of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

To purchase tickets, please visit http://www.stagestheatre.org/ for performance dates and times, or call the box office at (952) 979-1111, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children (ages 5 to 17) and seniors (60+). Lap passes are available for free (ages 0 to 2) and $5 for (ages 3 to 4). The show is perfect for all ages.

Stages Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and since then has grown to become one of the largest professional theatres for young audiences in the country. We engage young artists with themes relevant to their lives and involve them in creating magical works featuring young people in
meaningful roles. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 128,000 young people and their families.