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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 14, 2019)
John Betjeman’s poem ‘Christmas’ contains the immortal line, ‘That hideous tie, so kindly meant.’ Here, Kevin Perry and Rita Smith reveal what they truly feel about receiving a pair of socks and an ornament as gifts. Continued from Page 8 In one sketch, his character reads a letter from a couple pledging to avoid the com- mercial aspects and concentrate on what is important. “I grew up not focusing on the gift giving, but spending time with family and friends,” Scherrer said. Fellow actor Rita Smith has a couple of solo scenes and interacts with the ensem- ble of eight. In one comedic encounter with longtime stage collaborator Kevin Perry, they reveal what they really think about those ugly but well-intentioned gifts. “I think it’s a wonderful season,” said Smith, a retired elementary school teacher who is prominent in the Long Beach Pen- insula’s music scene. “I love Christmas music. I put it on at noon on Thanksgiving,” she said. “I do enjoy the season. Sure, there’s going to be commercialism, but with Christmas you have to make it what you want,” Smith said. Friendly Also onstage are more troupe veterans Ed Ahlers, Karl Johnson, Bette Lu Krause Home of the Bud Mentors Cultivated to Serve Come Say... Photos by Patrick Webb There are never any family arguments at Christmas, right? Karl Johnson, left, and Mike Mathis claim sole possession of a poinsettia while rehearsing the troupe’s seasonal show. and Rose Wallace. Joining them are new- comers Evelyn Benenati and Mike Mathis. “It’s a family friendly show,” Benenati, an Ilwaco High School senior, said. “At the read-through, some scenes actually brought tears to my eyes. There are a lot of jokes to work out.” Carter fi nds the script “heartwarm- ing.” She directed a production at Ocean Park Lutheran Church 13 years ago — well before the Players secured their current headquarters — with Johnson and Wallace on stage and Ahlers running the lights. Smith said her husband, Kent, had been asking for them to perform it again, but the group tries not to repeat shows during any 10-year period. “We all wanted to do it,” she said. As well as Christmas themes, the show features a handful of original songs, a cel- ebration of the winter solstice and a wed- ding that sparks potential confl ict between Jewish and Irish-Catholic families. Through it all, several poinsettias keep appearing to add color to the spectacle. “It’s a challenge and a new experience,” fi rst-time actor Mathis, who savors all the scenes, said. “They are very entertaining.” Vintage hardware Architectural Salvage and Home Furnishings Reclaiming, Repurposing and Inspiring our Community Since 2008 Open Every Day - 1162 Marine Drive - (503)325-1313 CBD/THC • FLOWERS • EDIBLES PREROLLS • CONCENTRATES TOPICALS • ACCESSORIES TSHIRTS MEDICAL R E C R E AT I O N A L Popcorn • Fudge • Chocolates • Ice Cream • Taffy • Cotton Candy • Carmel Apples hi Casual Cannabis Astoria BRING IN THIS COUPON FOR 10% OFF YO U R E N T I R E O R D E R ! expires 11/21/19 Open 9 to 9 Everyday Daily Happy Hour 3-5 Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults 21yrs of age and older. Keep out of reach of children. 193 Marine Dr. (across from the 76 Gas Station) 503.325.4078 www.hiAstoria.com Astoria • Cannon Beach • Manzanita • Rockaway Beach • Seaside THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2019 // 9
