By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Hays Community Theatre is giving one last spooky thrill before the holidays with its production of "A Haunted Sort of Christmas."
"A Haunted Sort of Christmas" is an original play that follows a Kansas native and his fiancee as they renovate an old building in Hays. They are joined by a ghost hunter who uncovers the building's mysteries.
Playwright and director Cheryl Glassman said additional characters from the 1800s appear, inspired by actual historical figures from the area.
"We have characters that show up that may or may not be spirits from the 1870s. Wild Bill and Kate Coffey, who owned Kate Coffey's Salon in Hays, she is there," Glassman said.
The play is set for 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. Eighth St.
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Glassman said the theater troupe is hosting a food drive alongside the production. Those attending are asked to bring a nonperishable food item.
"The food drive is because we are all here to help one another," she said. "The food will go to various Hays food banks."
The play centers around Hays native Patreek Kalomes, who brings his reluctant fiancee from New York, Helen Teeran, to Hays on Christmas Eve to meet his family and renovate an old building.
Paleontologist and ghost hunter Trevor Manly comes along for the ride, convinced the building is haunted. As Helen begins cleaning, she discovers a dead body. When people dressed in 1870s attire start appearing, Trevor’s suspicions seem increasingly plausible as Christmas carolers add to the chaos.
Glassman said that despite its somewhat macabre plot, the play is “family-friendly” and suitable for children ages 9 and older. The cast includes 15 people ages 8 to 68.
"It's got something for everyone," she said. "This show is to create a joyful time, laugh, have a good time, and experience expressions in your heart and soul."
Jarrett Leiker of Munjor plays Kalomes, Codi Fenwick of Hays plays Teeran and Arron Hardin plays Manly. Vocalist Michelle English plays the 1870s character Mama and has a solo. The accompanist is Amy Staab of Ellis.
The cast includes seasoned and first-time actors, supported by crews behind the scenes. Rehearsals began on Nov 12.
“All in all, the show may have an unusual title, but its premise brings the spirit of love, life and Christmas to the audience,” Glassman said.
A lover of history, Glassman has researched the history of Hays and the surrounding area through the Ellis County Historical Society archives.
"I did a lot of research over the course of my life through the historical society," she said.
Glassman has written 10 other plays. Hays Community Theatre has staged several previous Christmas productions that Glassman wrote and directed, including her play, “My Deadly Valentine.”
She has a long history with Hays Community Theatre. In 2004, Glassman and a close friend, the late Paula Huser, started the organization.
“I am very passionate about giving the community a place to enjoy participating in theater, either through acting or as part of the audience,” she said.
The theater is holding auditions for its upcoming production of "Leaving Iowa" from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 18 and 19. The show premieres in February.
You can find more information at the Hays Community Theatre website and follow them on Facebook.