NEWS

 This month, Community School of Davidson embraces the holiday spirit with its production of Prancer.

Based on the 1989 film of the same name, Prancer tells the story of a young girl named Jessica Riggs (Kenzy Weber) who recently lost her mother and befriends a reindeer whom she comes to believe is Prancer (Alex Stevens) of Santa fame. She is determined to return him to Santa’s sleigh in time to deliver presents. During this adventure, she realizes that the reindeer probably isn’t Santa’s Prancer, but in a surprise turn of events, her faith (and her father’s, played by Dane Davis) is renewed, as the Christmas spirit endures.

From left, Alex Stevens (Prancer) and Kenzy Weber (Jessica Riggs) perform in Community School of Davidson’s production of Prancer (Sheri Weber photo)

Directed by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge, CSD’s upper school theatre arts educator/director, Prancer has a cast of 11, including one middle school student and two fifth grade students.
“We thought, let’s try something around the holiday, hoping that it would be a great family option,” explains Ohlman-Roberge, who loved the movie. She also loves the fact that Prancer’s character is played by a puppet.

“Productions of Prancer at other theatres have had full-size, very intricate puppets, some have used animatronic puppets,” Ohlman-Roberge explains. “We chose a very simple representation, using just the head and the neck of the reindeer, designed and executed by 11th grader Macy Belmat.”

The result is a heartwarming story for all ages to enjoy. Ohlman-Roberge says she wants to see audiences leave the theatre feeling hopeful, alive, and happy. “For the adults, I’d add optimistic and reconnected to their inner child,” she says. “We hope that people will choose to spend some of their precious holiday time and funds supporting young people in the arts. It’s fun, it’s affordable, and it will make a great holiday memory!”

Prancer runs December 12-14 at Community School of Davidson Art Space, 404 Armour Street in Davidson. Performances are Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday 1 and 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door, but for best availability, purchase here.