‘It’s a Wonderful Christmas Story’ comes to Brooklyn

BROOKLYN — The Brooklyn Opera House will be hosting a holiday community theater production of “It’s a Wonderful Christmas Story,” Dec. 1 -3.

The performances are being held in connection with the Brooklyn Christmas Tradition celebration.

Written and directed by Brooklyn's pastor and librarian Josh Gerard, “It's a Wonderful Christmas Story” is a comedic faith-based one-act play about a husband and father who is feeling the strain and anxiety over the impeding holiday season. He wishes he didn't have to go anywhere, or spend any money, but then an angel shows up and tries and fails to show him the true meaning of Christmas through a series of events that become more and more hilarious.

“I absolutely love working with the Brooklyn Theatre Company on this family friendly play that I know is truly funny because I wrote it,” said Gerard.

The production will take place on the stage in the Brooklyn Opera House, a cornerstone of the community since 1911. Rebuilt and reopened in 2020, the opera house provides a place for the community to gather and celebrate the local arts.

Cast: Jim — Travis Williams; Karen — Traci Williams; Karissa — Gracie Gerard; Angel — Rachel Lakose; Scrinch — Ryan Emerson; Chase — Brian Mitchell; Mary — Lucia Dohooge; Clerk/Stewart — Rob Hanlon; Charlie — Addy Day; Linus — Lynk Mikesell; Ellen — Jamin Manatt; Will — Jeff Britts; Town folk 1 — Isaiah Williams; Town folk 2 — Abby Smith; Extra — Kaylin Hatfield; Props and costumes — Kim Hawkins; Lights and sound — Lorelai Gerard and Shadlee Hazelwood; Backstage crew — Miley Steward and Addalyn Stevens.

Showtimes: Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. A dinner theater option catered by Center Ground is available for the Saturday performance at 6 p.m. for $27.50. Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for each of the shows. If tickets are still available the day of the show, they may be purchased one hour prior to show time at the Michael J. Manatt Community Center entrance.

Visit https://www.brooklynoperahouse.com/events to purchase tickets and for more information.