By Laura Koenig | Echo
"Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chicken pox epidemic, two Southern spinsters, an estranged old man . . . and you've got the recipe for a fun-filled and touching evening of holiday cheer."
That is how the Marion Civic Theatre's website describes the plot of its upcoming production, "FrUiTCaKeS"-and yes, that is really how they spell it.
Director Brian Sprayue described the production as a heartwarming, family-friendly Christmas comedy.
"FrUiTCaKeS" is about a young teen runaway named Jamie who is about 13 years old. After blowing all his money, he finds himself stuck in a small town over the Christmas season with an old man named Mack, who mentors the boy and encourages him to make good decisions.
The production shows the budding relationship between Mack and Jamie as they encounter a wide variety of characters, including one who makes fruitcakes for everyone in town. There is even an appearance by a Christmas hog.
"It is an eccentric, quirky town that is extremely heartwarming at the end," Sprayue said.
The cast is made up of volunteer actors and actresses in the community who auditioned for the parts in October. Through the hodge-podge of characters, the audience will get a taste of the real Christmas spirit.
Sprayue also hopes that the audience will grasp the message of love, acceptance and understanding.
Not only will the audience experience the performances, but they will also enjoy a very detailed and unique set that many people spent countless hours developing.
Sprayue said one of the most rewarding parts of the preparation and rehearsal process was working with new actors and actresses. There are a lot of first-time members in this cast, and he has enjoyed watching them grow into embodying their characters.
The Marion Civic Theatre does not have the advantages of a large budget, huge staff or million-dollar sponsors.
"We do the best we can with what we've got," Sprayue said. All of that hard work will be presented on stage for the next two weekends.
"FrUiTCaKeS" will be performed on December 4, 5, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. and on December 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. at the Marion Civic Theatre in Marion, Indiana. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for youth (10 and under). Tickets can be purchased by phone (765-668-7800), online atmarion-civic-theatre.org/purchase-tickets-online or at the door.
