‘Christmas Memories’ returns with songs and skits of the season
FREEPORT — The timeless story of the Grinch, tales of St. Nicholas, coupled with original holiday stories will unfold before audiences once again this year as the community's annual holiday show, "Christmas Memories," returns.
After a year off because of the coronavirus pandemic, “Christmas Memories” will be back Dec. 9 through 11 at the Jeannette Lloyd Theatre with performances by community members and staff from the Freeport School District.
Directors Tim and Becky Connors describe the show as a "homemade Christmas card for the community.” An ensemble of singers and actors will tell the stories of the season through narration, skit and song.
“We have certainly learned to appreciate the little things, like volunteering with friends,” Becky Connors said. “Our first rehearsal was full of cheering and laughing. Last year, we posted two stories, 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas,' on YouTube, but we didn't do any sort of live show.”
The annual show collects food for the Freeport Area Church Cooperative and scholarship funds for local high school students.
Because of social distancing, the performances are moving to the Jeannette Lloyd Theatre instead of the studio theatre at Freeport High School. A matinee has been added to accommodate people who don't want to go out or drive after dark.
“This year marks our 22nd production of ‘Christmas Memories,’ and some members of the audience have seen it every single year,” Becky Connors said.
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School district staff and family members involved in the production include LaFrancine Baker; Jody and Gary Brubaker, Becky and Tim Connors, Derek Simons, Laura Stocker and Robert Winter.
“Being a part of Christmas Memories is my favorite way to kick off the holiday season," Stocker said. "No matter who you are, Christmas stories and songs remind us of the magic of possibilities.
“My favorite thing about being part of the show is spending time with friends who are like family. We're all teachers and, for some strange reason, all a little bit dramatic at times. We have the best time putting this special show together each year.”
Performances are at 7 p.m. Dec. 9-11 and 3 p.m. Dec. 11.
Tickets are $5, plus a non-perishable food donation for the Freeport Area Church Cooperative. Bring the food donation to the Jeannette Lloyd Theatre at Freeport Middle School on the day of the show.
To purchase tickets, call the Freeport High School business office at 232-0428. For more information, please email becky.connors@fsd145.org.
Jane Lethlean is a freelance correspondent.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Freeport's ‘Christmas Memories’ to show at Jeannette Lloyd Theatre
