Play production transforms 4-H building

The 4-H Building at the Red Willow County Fairgound has returned to normal after having been transformed into a 1941 living room for the Evangelical Free Church's fourth production of "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Despite bone-chilling weather and snow, most of the 200 seats were filled for performances Friday and Saturday nights, with perhaps the largest crowd on hand for the Sunday afternoon.

And, also despite the icy danger and inconvenience, many in the audience remembered first hand the frightening first days of America's involvement in World War II, the springboard for a message of faith and optimism.

Most of the credit for the success of the production has to go to Christy Stevens, who soloed as well as directed the 50 or more members of the drama team and choir, with her son, Jesse, directing a small orchestra.

Christy's enthusiasm is contagious, motivating actors, singers, stage hands and technical crews to perform at the highest levels of which they are capable.

So, now that the months-long effort is complete, she's taking a break, right?

As anyone who knows her can tell you, the answer is most decidedly, "wrong!"

Christy Stevens has agreed to take the helm of the Southwest Community Theater's production of "The Sound of Music," set for auditions only twelve days from today, Dec. 17 from 9:30 to 11:30 and Dec. 20, 7 to 9 p.m., at the McCook Senior High Auditorium.

It's an especially appropriate time for the community theater group to take on the Rodgers & Hammerstein production, which is celebrating the 40th year of the release of the movie starring Julie Andrews.

As anyone familiar with the movie can tell you, there will be choice parts available for boys and girls, women and men, as well as other extras. And, as anyone familiar with theater can tell you, there also will be plenty of opportunities for use of off-stage and technical talents such as set construction, painting, props, lighting, sound and many others.

Performances are set for March 16-19 at the McCook High School auditorium. If you would like to take part, contact Christy Stevens at (308) 345-5331 or (308) 345-6945 for assistant director Sheryl Havens.