by Lorie Lewis Ham
It is that time of year again when many theatre companies are doing Christmas shows, and The Kings Players in Hanford are no exception. Their show, Merry Christmas, Dear Grandpa, opens this weekend and we took a moment to chat with the show’s director Debbie Walker.
KRL: What is this show about?
Debbie: A young lady named Amber invites her family to celebrate her first Christmas in her new house. They come from New York and California to her home in Oregon. She wants it to be a PERFECT Christmas but of course, things go wrong quickly.
Grandpa (Joseph Katz), Keith (Jared Kirk), Al (Michael Betcher), Frankie standing (Annie McGrath) & Marie (Kim Spicer)
KRL: Is it a straight play or a musical?
Debbie: This is a straight play.
KRL: Why was this particular show chosen?
Debbie: This play was scheduled for Nov/Dec in 2020 but was put on hold due to COVID restrictions. Kings Players was looking for a Christmas show that all ages could enjoy.
KRL: Why did you want to direct it?
Debbie: I am glad that I am able to direct this show now because we need a light-hearted show to raise people’s spirit during this Christmas season.
Marie (Kim Spicer), Keith (Jared Kirk) & Al (Michael Betcher)
KRL: What was the hardest part about directing this show?
Debbie: The hardest part of directing this show was for me to get back into the swing of things after being at home for a year and a half.
KRL: What was the most fun?
Debbie: The most fun of directing this show is watching my cast grow into their characters. I am so proud of each and every one of them. They are working very hard to make this a fun experience for our audiences.
KRL: Is this the first in person show you have done since Covid? If so, what has it been like to be back?
Debbie: This is the first in person show that I have worked on since the beginning of COVID and it has taken me a while to be comfortable being out of my house.
KRL: What Covid precautions will be taken for the performances?
Debbie: COVID precautions that will be taken are that masks are REQUIRED at all times inside the theater, hand sanitizers are available and masks are available for those who do not have a mask.
Grandpa (Joseph Katz), Keith (Jared Kirk) & Frankie (Annie McGrath)
KRL: What are the dates and times of the performances and location?
Debbie: The performance dates are November 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and December 3, 4, 5. Fridays and Saturdays are at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays are at 2:00 p.m. Temple Theater is located at 514 E. Visalia Street, Hanford, CA
KRL: How much are the tickets and how do you purchase them?
Debbie: Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased online at www.kingsplayers.org or call 559-584-7241 and leave a message to receive a callback.
KRL: What is coming up next for the Kings Players?
Debbie: The next show is The Money in Uncle George’s Suitcase Directed by Cyndie Maxwell. Performances are February 26-March 20. Auditions are January 3 and 4 at 6:30 p.m. Needed are 3m: 30-60’s; 3w: 20-60’s; 1 teen girl.
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