The production's large cast enthusiastically bows at the end of their final show of the year.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon Community Theater held its final showing of “The Little Town of Christmas” at 2 p.m. Dec. 8.

As the community theater's first children’s production since shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic, the spirit of Christmas is prevalent throughout the entire production; the enthusiasm and dedication of the director, Kelly Pidgeon James, and her actors was made clear to all of Dixon.

“Christmas is about kids, so this was a perfect opportunity to do a children’s play,” James said. “Kids are the spirit of Christmas in my opinion.”

The production, initially drafted as a skit to be performed in Pardi Plaza, evolved into a full production due to James’s influence. She worked with a total of 22 actors, 19 of which were children, and a production team in order to accomplish so much in so little time; James had approximately 3 to 4 months to put together the nine-scene comedy, and, thanks to the support of her team and actors, she was able to do so.

The Narrator, Angel Gatchel, introduces a group of sickly Christmas Carols, led by Melinda Mackley, and including Rex Mackley, Kieran Colling, Annabelle VanTuyl, Aurora Daniels, McKenna Schroeder, Bentley Abrew, Raya Prass Collins and Cody Pidgeon James.

“They did really, really good, even though we only had four weeks to practice, and everyone got sick twice,” chuckled James.

Lucky for James, many of her cast, a rambunctious and passionate group of young thespians in the making, were proud of their inclusion in this project.

“What I love about acting is, you get to come out of yourself, be another character, be dramatic, have a good time, and do more plays, which I hope to do in the future,” said Leanne Vroom, who plays Mrs. Claus.

“I like making people laugh and enjoy when people say I’m funny,” said Annabelle VanTuyl, who acted as a member of a sneezing caroling group.

Raya Prass Collins, who played the character Helen, agreed, claiming she likes acting because she gets to make friends, be happy and make people laugh.

When asked about his interest in acting, Patrick Wentworth, who plays a multitude of characters, including Mayor Steve Bird and Bob Cratchit of “The Christmas Carol,” stated he mainly does so to “socialize with others, be on stage and to make people laugh.”

With such a comedically-inclined group of kids, it’s not a surprise that many jokes landed throughout the hour-and-a-half show. The production was filled with holiday merriment, including three songs: “White Christmas,” performed by Bentley Abrew, “Jingle Bell Rock,” performed by Melinda Mackley and Snow Hansen and “Sleigh Ride,” performed by Jenn and Maya Clossick. Due to the nature of the play, much of the cast also had their own perspectives on the meaning of Christmas. Matthew Popovits, who plays a reporter and Jacob Marley from “A Christmas Carol,” had this to say.

Mrs. Claus, played by the talented Leanne Vroom, reads through letters sent to her by children throughout the world, giving them comedic bits of advice.

“For me, it’s a time to spend with family,” Popovits said. “There’s just a spirit to give to other people.”

Kieran Colling and Rex Mackley also allude to the importance of family, specifically the significance of spending time together and having fun.

“I really hope the community enjoyed the production and inspire them to enjoy other productions by Dixon Community Theater,” James said.