Local actors reprieve roles in “1940s Christmas Homecoming”

The “1940s Christmas Homecoming” show played to sold out crowds for several evenings during the 2007 holiday season. The show returns with nearly the same cast on Dec. 11, 12 and 13, in a dessert theater format at Marine Bank and Trust community room. Last year’s cast, from left, are Mike Trapp, Christine Murphy, JoAnna Miller, Lorilei Klein, Max Markley, Hannah Cozart, Chenille Saunders, Jon Post, Tony Freeman and William Nolden. Julia Boyer is in this years show.

A group of local actors will make a return performance of the holiday musical, “1940's Christmas Homecoming.”

The show is presented this year in dessert theater format at the community room of Marine Bank and Trust on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11, 12 and 13.

The play is features soldiers in battle during World War II, one soldier's family at home, and a USO radio show. Most of the actors who were in the show last year are returning, including Chenille Saunders, Jon Post, Tony Freeman, William Nolden, Hannah Cozart, Max Markley, JoAnna Miller, Christine Murphy and Mike Trapp. Julia Boyer replaces Lorilei Klein as the third USO singer.

The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and desserts will be served until the show begins. Alan Birdsall, a concert pianist from Nauvoo, will open for the show with holiday and 1940s music beginning around 7 p.m. The show will follow at about 7:30 p.m. Birdsall has performed in Branson.

“We will have the desserts professionally catered. We want a nice elegant feel for the evening,” said Chenille Saunders. “This year we are inviting all veterans who attend to wear some or all of their uniform.”

CDs of several local musical artists will be available, including Saunders, Johanna Miller, a group of local performers “Christmas Hwy. 136” and others, as well as DVDs of local performances of “A Christmas Wish” from past years.

Tickets are available at the Carthage Chamber of Commerce, Carson Ford, Marine Bank and Trust and Simply Irresistible. A limited number of tickets are available for each performance. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door, although most shows sold out last year.

The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for students. They request that no children under 8 years of age attend.