The Whitley County Colonel Players are preparing their winter production of A Christmas Story, and this year’s audience can expect to see a familiar story to ignite their Christmas spirit.
Director Sarah Draper, of four years, is working with a group of around 18-19 students to put together a production that students are proud of.
The production stays true to its source material, staying almost identical to the film.
A student that Draper says has gone above and beyond is senior Myleigh Farmer, who has been with the program for four years and plays the character Mother. She has taken on the role of student director, which comes with lots of responsibilities.
“I’ve loved helping out,” said Farmer. “Everyone is helping get costumes together, getting the set together, and finding everything. Aiding people in their lines has been a big part of it, specifically for [the character] Ralph. He has a bunch of lines, so it’s been really hard for him. I’ve been working on props at home.”
Farmer has loved how the cast gets along.
“We’ve been pretty close,” said Farmer. “It’s like a chaotic family. Of course, we bicker. We’re teenagers in one room. But we all come together.”
Ultimately, Farmer has enjoyed being a Colonel Player because it has shaped her into who she is today.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do freshman year. I didn’t really know where I belonged,” said Farmer. “Being in the theatre and playing someone else has really become a part of me. I love seeing the audience laugh. I love hearing their gasps, and I just really enjoy being a Colonel Player.”
Two other students who stepped up were seniors Braxton Antrim, who plays the kid version of Ralph, and Ethan Paul, who plays the adult version of Ralph.
“I think people should give theatre a try,” said Antrim. “For me personally, it’s been really good for getting me out of my shell and getting my confidence up.”
Paul says being in the production has meant everything to him.
“The people that’s in it, we’re like family,” said Paul. “I just really enjoy being around them.”
Farmer, Antrim, and Paul are all excited for audience members to see the leg lamp and the Santa scene because of its comedic timing. Also, they collectively hope attendees come in with an open mind.
Performances run Dec. 11-13 at 6 p.m., and tickets are $5 each night. The cast hopes the community shows up not only for the story but also to support the arts and education.
Looking ahead, their big spring production will be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Their spring competition piece for the Eastern Kentucky Dramatic Arts Society (EKDAS) Festival will be Frankenstein.
