PORT TOWNSEND — “Spirit of the Yule,” a production that debuted in Port Townsend last weekend, sets the world of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in Port Townsend.
Its opening performances last weekend were sold out, but tickets remain for additional performances tonight and Saturday. The play runs through Dec. 30 at Key City Public Theater, 1128 Lawrence St.
Tickets cost $20 for performances Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and $24 Fridays and Saturdays.
“Spirit of the Yule” is an all-ages show, however, families with younger children are encouraged to attend one of the three family shows, which feature special pricing, treats for the kids and a chance to get their pictures taken with characters on stage.
Family shows are at 11 a.m. Saturday and Dec. 17, and 7 p.m. Dec. 21.
Family show ticket prices are $3 for small child lap seating, $7 for ages 12 and younger, $10 for ages 13 to 18 and $10 for parents or guardians with a child.
Tickets are available online at www.keycity publictheatre.org.
“Spirit of the Yule” is directed by Denise Winter, KCPT artistic director, with music and lyrics by Linda Dowdell.
The play is set in Port Townsend when the lumber boomtown was eagerly awaiting the railroad connection that would make it the preeminent port city in the Pacific Northwest.
Dowdell and Winter delved deep into the archives of the Jefferson County Historical Society to find the details in the 25 years during which the Northern Pacific Railroad was due to connect Port Townsend to Tacoma, said Christopher Clow, KCPT marketing, sales and services manager.
“ ‘Spirit of the Yule’ is a story that will bring out the generous spirit of the holidays in anyone who attends,” Clow said, “and will give a special thrill to the local patrons who will see the history of their hometown spring to life, and burst into song.”
While the railroad never made it to town, the remnants of that time remain recognizable in the names etched on famous landmarks: the Rothschild House, Chetzemoka Park, and the Delmonico Hotel, whose sign still hangs at 832 Water St.
The people who built and inspired those places make their presence felt in the show.
Angela Poynter makes her KCPT debut as Henrietta Maynard, the proprietor of the Delmonico Hotel, Clow said, an iconoclastic, hard nosed, twice-divorced businesswoman who loves shooting, drinking and profit.
Hewitt Brooks carries the chains as Jacob Marley, Maynard’s business partner. Blaine Lewis and Christa Holbrook return to the KCPT stage as Bob Cratchit and Maddie Mae, Maynard’s downtrodden employee and his ailing child.
KCPT musical veteran Leah Finch returns as the hopeful and romantic Young Henrietta.
Noah Phillips debuts at KCPT as Miz Maynard’s affable Nephew Fred.
Patricia Willestoft, Consuelo Aduviso and Tomoki Sage appear as ghosts that lead Maynard in an enlightening search through time and space.
“Spirit of the Yule” is sponsored by the generous support of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, and is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, ArtsWA, and the Port Townsend Arts Commission. KCPT’s 2016 season sponsors are Alchemy Bistro and Wine Bar and SOS Printing.
For more information, call the box office at 360-385-5278.
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Features Editor Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or at cmcdaniel@ peninsuladailynews.com.
