Pennington Players Present A CHRISTMAS STORY at Kelsey Theatre, 11/27 - 12/6

The Pennington Players will usher in the holiday season with the slightly-twisted, but lovable classic, "A Christmas Story," at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre Fridays, Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.; Saturdays, Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sundays, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on Mercer's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. An opening night reception with the cast and crew follows the Nov. 27 performance. Patrons may drop off donations for the "Toys for Tots" holiday gift drive in the theatre lobby through Dec. 21.

Based on a story by Jean Shepherd, this family comedy, set in a Midwestern American town during the 1940s, follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker as he dreams of his ideal gift for Christmas, a Red Ryder BB gun. As Ralphie wages an all-out campaign to convince his reluctant parents to buy it for him, the audience will enjoy the Parker's family whimsical journey through the holiday season - from Father Parker's prized leg lamp, to Ralphie's retaliation against the neighborhood bully, to little brother Randy in a bunny suit, and much more.

Starring as members of the Parker family are: Marc Caiola of Robbinsville as Randy; Steve Decker of Morrisville, Pa., as Ralph, the show's adult narrator; Laurie Gougher of Newtown, Pa., as Mother; Kevin Hallam of Hamilton as Father; and Jason Wilks of Princeton Junction as Ralphie. Also featured are Taylor Hoogsteden of Princeton Junction as Esther Jane; Jacob McGlew of Robbinsville as Schwartz; Barbara Mendel of Morrisville, Pa. as Miss Shields; Nicky J. Rosolino of Princeton as Scut Farkas; Stephen Szemis of West Windsor as Flick; and Madeline Wasson of Cranbury as Helen.

Additional ensemble members include Holden Bihl of Robbinsville, Sarah Fox of Robbinsville, Hannah Gumpert of Princeton, SamaRia Jones of Trenton, Liam J. Simonelli of Hamilton, and Jacob Singleton of Hamilton. The show is directed by Kitty Getlik of Hamilton and co-produced by Maryellen Birdsey of Titusville and Dottie Farina of Hamilton.

The Pennington Players will sell chances to win the leg lamp during the run of the show. The winner will be drawn after the final show on Dec. 6 and does not need to be present to win.
Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices upon request.