Central Alberta Theatre will be lighting up the stage this holiday season with a charmer of a tale set for Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 8-10.

Directed by Mary Lou Armstrong, The Christmas Tree takes place in the Nickle Studio at the Memorial Centre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and curtain is at 7:30 p.m.

Penned by Norm Foster, the story takes place on a tree lot on Christmas Eve.

Two strangers — one man and one woman – are there along with one sad, little tree. Thus begins the battle as to who should get it.

Who should be able to take it home? Each character give reasons through tales of heart-wrenching woe as to why they are more deserving of the tree.

Both also seem rather unmoved by the other’s predicament. Ultimately, it’s a story filled with laughs, heartache and good old-fashioned Christmas spirit.

Directed by Armstrong, the one-act production features Central Alberta Theatre veterans Deborah and Dennis O’Brien in the title roles.

“It’s a sweet play,” explains Armstrong, adding that it was a joy to step into the director’s role again after having been away from it for a few years.

Working with the talented O’Briens, who folks will recognize from their many CAT dinner theatre appearances, has also been a delight. “I think they have enjoyed sparring with each other onstage,” laughs Armstrong.

The Christmas Tree was originally commissioned by Calgary’s Lunchbox Theatre, said Armstrong, adding that Foster has injected his usual knack for comedy into the plot.

Rounding out the evening will be musical entertainment by Airyn Street and Cynthia Edwards and a special monologue by Fred Anderson as well. Armstrong said the theatre will also be set up in cabaret format for the presentation.

Tickets are
$12 each and are available by calling Ticket Central at 403-347-0800 or dropping by the office at 4922 – 49 St. Folks can also email ticketcentral@centralalbertatheatre.ca.

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