‘Christmas in Pine Tree Corners’ brings classic characters together
One might not immediately recognize the title of Ellington High School’s “Christmas in Pine Tree Corners,” but you’ll be sure to recognize all of the more than 30 characters, who all come from classic holiday specials.
The show was written by Opening Knight Players advisor/director William Prenetta, and is in its third iteration, having been performed in 2019 and 2021.
Represented are groups from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “The Grinch that Stole Christmas.” Other characters make cameo appearances, including Ralphie from “A Christmas Story,” Clara from “The Nutcracker,” and a couple of miserly brothers who are interested in opposing extreme temperatures.
The characters find themselves in Pine Tree Corners, because the television networks have re-formatted and decreed that only one hour will be devoted to holiday specials this season, and they all need to determine, by each group giving a synopsis of its special, which one is most worthy of the time slot. Santa appears and tells the gang that if a winner is not determined, an infomercial will air instead.
William Stocker, a senior who plays Rudolph, said the show is just plain funny, and there are a few small changes from years past.
“It’s pretty much the same premise,” he said. “We did change some things this year - balancing out every story so that every story is the same length, giving the same love to every character. We always try to bring a new energy to it each year - maybe tell some jokes a little differently, add some more jokes.”
Stocker’s favorite scene, he said, is when Professor Hinkle (Will Naraghi) chases Frosty (Jake Kindall) and Karen (Emma Van Tassel) through a forest and into a greenhouse.
“I always crack up, no matter how many times I see it,” he said. “The actors who play those characters do a great job with the physical comedy. It always makes the audience roll on the ground laughing.”
Molly Deptula, also a senior, is playing Cindy Lou Who for the third time. She said the show is “whimsical” and “a lot of fun.” Her character, she said, has evolved a little each time.
“She’s definitely gotten a little more sass to her over the years,” she said. “Not a ton has changed, because we try to play the characters close to the original cartoons.”
Benjamin Pack, a freshman, plays Charlie Brown, and said he’s received a lot of support from the other cast members, which has been helpful with such a large role.
“It’s really a fun role to play,” Pack said. “It it kind of intimidating. The last person to play this role was a senior, so it’s big shoes to fill.”
The actors said the show is fun for everyone, and audiences will enjoy the memories and the spectacle.
“It’s hilarious,” Pack said. “I find it super funny. Also, it’s a great show and has a bunch of energy to it.”
“It’s just everything that’s wonderful about Christmas,” Deptula said. “All the love and fun and little kids giggling. It’s just a really good time.”
“It’s cute and sweet and funny,” Stocker said. “It’s a great time.”
“Christmas in Pine Tree Corners” will be performed Dec. 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 11, at 2 p.m., in the Gordon C. Getchell Auditorium at Ellington High School.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors, and are available at the door.
