WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Imaginary Theatre Company of the St. Louis Repertory Theatre will bring its production of “The Elves and the Shoemaker” to the West Plains Civic Center stage for a 7 p.m. performance Nov. 13.

Presented by Missouri State University-West Plains’ University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department, the performance is being made possible with support from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

Tickets are $8 each for adults.  Children age 13 and under, and Missouri State-West Plains students with a valid BearPass ID, will be admitted free.  Tickets may be purchased at the civic center box office, 110 St. Louis St., or by calling 417-256-8087.

Based on the traditional tale by the Brothers Grimm, the production tells the story of a kindly shoemaker who goes to the marketplace to sell his last remaining pair of shoes so he and his wife will have money to pay bills and buy food.  When he sees a cold, hungry beggar woman, he happily gives his only remaining pair of shoes to her to keep her bare feet warm.  The woman promises the shoemaker he will be rewarded for his good deed.  Rewarded he is when, unexpectedly, elves magically appear overnight and create well-made shoes everyone wants to buy, turning his simple shoe shop into a great success.

“This sweet production by the St. Louis Imaginary Theatre Company taps into the themes of kindness and generosity,” said Jennifer Moore, coordinator of U/CP theater and events.  “It’s the perfect kickoff to the holiday season.”

Using basic props and costumes, the company encourages imagination and creativity from its audiences.  “What’s really great about this small theater company is that the actors take time to answer questions from their young audience after the performance.  It’s a wonderful, low-key way to introduce kids to theater,” Moore said.

To learn more about this or other upcoming events, call the U/CP office at 417-255-7966 or visit the website.