Sunset Theatre hosts unique Christmas play
By Judi Brinegar
Staff Writer, The Courier-Tribune
ASHEBORO - A "Christmas Carol" with a twist is how John Auler
of Asheboro describes a Christmas play he wrote about 15 years ago.
That play, "Unscrooged," will be performed at the Sunset Theatre
at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 18-19 and at 7 p.m. Dec. 20.
There will a 3 p.m. matinee performed on Saturday, Dec. 18, and Sunday,
Dec. 19, and a 7 p.m. performance Dec. 18, 19 and 20.
Auler, an ordained pastor and owner of Little Byte Computers in Asheboro,
wrote the play when he was pastoring a church in Lexington.
"We had a puppet ministry at that church," he said, "and
I got the idea to do a different type of Christmas play. Instead of Scrooge
turning over a new leaf, I turned it into a Christmas story, complete with
a trip to Bethlehem."
Auler's play will combine puppets with living people and video. There
will also be live music performed by "Two or More," a contemporary
Christian band.
Instead of spirits visiting Scrooge, angels will take him on a journey
from the birth of Jesus to his crucifixion and then his resurrection.
The play was last performed at Neighbors Grove Wesleyan Church two years.
Since Auler has become actively involved in renovation of the old Sunset
Theater, he came up with the idea to perform the play there. Admission is
simply a can of non-perishable food, which will then be donated to Christians
United Outreach Center in Asheboro. There will also be a love offering taken
to help with future renovations to the theater.
Rebecca Cheek is co-director of the play and about 24 family members
and friends will perform in the play and do the lights and music, Auler
said.
"This play will have a little bit of everything for everyone,"
Auler said. "There is a little bit of comedy in this play with a serious
message. If we get a large response to the play, we will be glad to do more
shows. We would love to share it with local church groups if they want to
see it. All they have to do is let us know when they want us to do it. We'll
even do performances after Christmas if we need to. "
***
For more information on the play or to schedule a special performance,
contact Auler at 625-4412.
Copyright 2002, Stephens Media Group
|