From staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — ACTA Theater in Trussville will present two short Christmas plays Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14.
“The Rented Christmas” and “The Reform of Benjamin Scrimp” will be presented one after the other on those dates. “The Rented Christmas” will be shown first, then “The Reform of Benjamin Scrimp” after intermission.
Both directed by Chanel Wood, weeknight and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. Sunday shows are at 2:30 p.m.
“The Rented Christmas” tells the story of John Dale, who hasn’t enjoyed a “real Christmas” for years. So, on the spur of the moment, he decides to rent a Christmas from Anne Weston, who owns the local rent shop. Anne is at first flustered with the requirements: a tree with presents, Christmas carols, and also a wife and five children. Anne feels she has solved the problem of a Christmas family by calling the actors’ guild, tut the young actors come down with the measles so she turns to the local orphanage. When the guild can’t locate a “mother,” Anne steps in to play the role herself.
“The Reform of Benjamin Scrimp” is a modern day Christmas carol. It takes place in a gym with several of the student government trying to set up the winter formal. The decorations arrive and the student government is short on payment so it looks to Benjamin, the class treasurer, to help pay. They find out they are short money and Benjamin, who has tons of money, won’t help. Tiny Tom, a tall basketball player, comes to the rescue to help in the basketball tournament that should raise enough money. However, he injures himself and the game can’t be played. This is when the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future come to help Benjamin find the true meaning of love and Christmas.
Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $8 for students/children and $10 for seniors 60+. For reservations, call the theater at 205-655-3902.
During each performance, ACTA will be having a silent auction on items that have been donated by local businesses. Proceeds from this auction will go toward updating lighting/sound in the theater.
ACTA has also announced that auditions for “Death by Chocolate,” directed by Clay Boyce, will be Monday, Dec. 15 and Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at the theater.
“Death by Chocolate” is a zany murder mystery with all characters having their dark secrets or failings make them all suspects in the series of mysterious deaths. “Death by Chocolate” keeps the audience laughing as well as trying to guess “who done it”.
For more information, visit www.actatheater.com.