The Sherburne Music-Theater Society will perform Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on December 4 during a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening show at 7:30 p.m. (Submitted photo)

SHERBURNE — The Sherburne Music-Theater Society (SMTS) will be returning to the Earlville Opera House stage this December for its annual holiday performance. This year, the group will be putting on a music-infused production of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on December 4 during a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening show at 7:30 p.m.

SMTS is promising the entertaining and heartwarming Grinchy tale audience members know and love, but is also bringing something unique to the table, adding several musical numbers to be performed by the Sherburne Community Chorus, a subdivision of Sherburne Music-Theater Society.

The production is being directed by Rick Thormahlen and includes musical direction by Michael Moren.

“The story of ‘the Grinch’ would take about 5 minutes to read so I began to think about what we could do to create a 35-45 minute production,” Thormahlen said. “I thought about music and I called Michael Moren to see if he would be interested in selecting music for the show, which would give the Community Chorus a chance to show off their talents. Michael and I discussed possible selections and we came up with five numbers that would advance the story.”

Thormahlen also went on to explain that this production is incredibly community-driven: “We have brought in many members of the community to make the show possible. Set design, painting, costumes, props and marketing have all been a community effort. All of this creative input helps to make this production special.”

Due to the Earlville Opera House’s COVID-19 protocol, individuals hoping to attend either show time will need to provide proof of vaccination and wear a mask at all times while inside the building. Knowing that this will prohibit some individuals (especially children) from being able to attend, SMTS will also be livestreaming both performances so that everyone has the opportunity to watch the show at home. The livestream link will be posted on SMTS’s Facebook page on the day of the event.

As a special treat, SMTS will also be hosting a viewing party at the Bell Tree Community Center in Earlville for the 2 p.m. show. There will be light refreshments available and a meet and greet with the actors.

There is no admission cost for either show, but SMTS will be accepting free-will donations to put toward its scholarship fund. The Bell Tree will also be accepting donations at its viewing party.

The full cast list includes: Jenni Larchar, Marie Moren, Keven Simmons, Clark Vischi, Jennafer Smith, Sarah Rogers, Rebecca Noble, Elise Robinson, Deb Sanderson, Maggie Veraguth Fitzpatrick, Amy Rogers, Breanna Rogers, Melanie Simmons, Paula Williams VanTyle, Michael Drahos, Benjamin Gorton, Michael McCollough, Aidan Rogers, and Seth Williams.

To learn more about the upcoming production or watch the livestream, visit facebook.com/SherburneMusicTheaterSociety/

This event is made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House.

About Sherburne Music-Theater Society:

Sherburne Music-Theater Society is an award-winning community theatre whose dedication to excellence, while providing an opportunity for talented local thespians and musicians to utilize their skills, has provided many audiences with memorable performances and statewide recognition. SMTS is a member of the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS) and the American Association of Community Theatres (AACT).

-from the Sherburne Music-Theatre Society