Three Chicks and a Stage Present "A Candle in the Window" at the Effingham Performance Center

Another Christmas season production will be presented this weekend by Three Chicks and a Stage at the Effingham Performance Center.

"A Candle in the Window “ tells the story of a small group of weary travelers who discover the power of the season while trapped in a lonely train station on Christmas Eve. As a blizzard rages outside, the troubled characters are forced to turn to each other for companionship. Trying to make them comfortable is the old a stationmaster, Charlie (Les Jenkins). Near midnight, seven youngsters arrive. The travelers learn that these children are wise beyond their years. The next morning as a new younger stationmaster (Josh Loy) lights a Christmas candle, we realize that the mysterious stop in the travelers’ journey is more than accidental.

The cast includes exceptional local actors who have a proven record of outstanding performance and new cast members whose remarkable talent complete a wonderful holiday show. Jo Thomas plays Violet, a quirky and loveable spinster, while Lydia Sanchez–Hatfill, plays Trudy, her, “sensible” sister. Veronica Schraer, portrays Anne, a teacher, with a very interesting history. Steve Starwalt plays a Jewish wanna-be writer who was born on Christmas Eve. Kay Metzelaars (Sarah) and Kevin Deadmond (George) are a married couple in crisis and C.J. Schmidt (Neil) plays a college student who is faced with a challenge bigger than life.

Seven children arrive very unexpectedly during the blizzard inviting the travelers to watch their nativity play. Audiences will be warm-heartedly amused by the children’s interpretation. They are Sean Bailey, Madison Brummer, Veronika Mumma, Chase Kiefer, Olivia Raddatz, Mariah Durbin-Flack, and Saul Ellis.

“A Candle in the Window” is produced and directed by “Three Chicks” founders Dr. Carol Hourigan and Monique Hortenstine with music direction by Aidan Spelbring. This dramatic comedy will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Performance dates are Saturday, December 5, 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 6, 2:00 pm. at the Effingham Performance Center. Tickets are now available at the EPC box office, 1325 Outer Belt West during box office hours, 217-540-2788 and on the days of the shows. Prices are Adults, $20; Children 12 and under $10.

"A Candle in the Window" is the ninth holiday production presented by Three Chicks and a Stage, a non-profit community theater company in residence at the Effingham Performance Center.