PNC Arts Council prepping for upcoming Christmas show
The Philadelphia-Neshoba County Arts Council has announced its upcoming 2023-2024 season.
The series will kick off with a Christmastime comedy "Dashing Through the Snow" on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
"We are so excited for our first full season of shows in the newly renovated Ellis Theater", said Terri Donald, executive director of the Arts Council. "Our productions are made possible with the support of Arts Council members, the city of Philadelphia, and Marty Stuart's Congress of Country Music."
"Dashing Through the Snow" will be directed by Allison Palmer and will feature a cast of 17 local performers. It is the second production put on by the PNC Arts Council since the grand reopening of the Ellis Theater last December.
“When they called and asked me if I would like to direct ‘Dashing Through the Snow,’ I wasn’t sure because I have never directed a play by myself, but after reading the script I immediately said yes,” Palmer said. “This play is hilarious, and it includes Christmas which is my favorite time of the year. The Arts Council is so excited to have a few newcomers along with several veterans performing in this production that you will not want to miss.”
Newcomers to the stage are Hannah Hardy, Beth Jones, and Joanie Ballenger. Other cast members include Angel Weems, Susan Culpepper, Ian Madison, Mallory Thompson Young, Carlos Castillo, Bryan Linkins, Julia York, Jackson Lovorn, Kay Kilpatrick, Kara Spears, Tonya Hancock, Penny Hardy, Jacob Hancock, and Allison Palmer.
The play is a sequel to “A Doublewide, Texas Christmas” which was shown in Fall 2019. It is set four days before Christmas in the tiny town of Tinsel, Texas, as a colorful parade of eccentric guests arrive at the Snowflake Inn and deck the halls with holiday hilarity. This family-friendly comedy (rated PG-13) is more fun than a joyride in a one-horse open sleigh.
Future PNC Arts Council productions will be "Into the Woods" from Jan. 18-21, 2024, which will feature an all-star cast of local performers and "Tarzan the Musical" on Feb. 29-March 3, 2024. Kids Theatre Camp will be held from June 11-14, 2024.
Tickets for “Dashing Through the Snow” are currently on sale and may be purchased at the Ellis Theater Box Office or by calling (601) 653-5358. Ticket prices are $15 for General Admission and $10 for Arts Council members and students.
Visit congressofcountrymusic.org for more information.