WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Imaginary Theatre Company (ITC) of St. Louis will bring its production of “A Gnome for Christmas” to the West Plains Civic Center for a 7 p.m. performance Nov. 30.
General admission tickets are $5 each and available at the civic center box office, 110 St. Louis St., between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays. Children age 13 and under will be admitted free. Partial funding for this production, sponsored by Missouri State University-West Plains’ University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department, is being provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
“A Gnome for Christmas,” written by Sarah Brandt with music and lyrics by Stephen James Neale, tells the story of Lulu and her quirky father who tries to make a living selling his odd inventions. When he fails to sell yet another of his creations, the pair must pack their bags and move to more meager accommodations – a run-down old farmhouse where the fence needs mending and the landlord’s cranky, even at Christmas time! Lulu’s about ready to give up, but when mysterious and magical things start happening, it seems that this farm might be home to more than meets the eye.
“This warm-hearted holiday musical reminds us of the importance of helping others and the happiness found in friends,” ITC officials said.
ITC is the resident professional touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, the St. Louis region’s leading professional theater. Through the use of literature, folk tales, fairy tales and new adaptations of classic works, ITC is committed to providing the very finest in theater for young audiences and strives to bring quality performances to schools and community venues throughout the Missouri/Illinois area, according to the company’s website, www.repstl.org/itc/.
“We are pleased and fortunate to have in our community once again this group from The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis,” said U/CP Director Brenda Malkowski. “They were here in January and performed the play ‘Puss in Boots,’ and the audience was extremely pleased with their performance. I’m certain area residents will once again have a fascinating time with ‘A Gnome for Christmas.’”
For more information about the production, contact the U/CP office, 417-255-7966 For more information about upcoming events sponsored by the U/CP Department, visit the website http://wp.missouristate.edu/ucp/.