BUCYRUS – The Bucyrus Little Theatre is turning to social media to stage its first performance since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of its last show back in March.

The Theatre will perform a Facebook Live show called “Bucyrus Little Theatre: Holiday Cheer” Sat., Dec. 12, at 4:00 p.m.  The variety show will feature classic Christmas carols performed by many veterans of the theatre stage, according to Alexa Franklin, a rehearsal coordinator.

Franklin, who is also coordinating publicity for the production, said the board through socially distanced meetings the last few months decided to reach out to several singers in the community to “get the ball rolling” and organize the virtual event, which is free to the public.

“We’re trying really hard to keep everyone safe, keep our members involved so they know we still appreciate them,” said Franklin, a member of the theatre group’s board of directors.  “We are a non-profit and we’ve been hit by this pandemic just like everyone else.”

Franklin said the theatre had to close the curtain on its last show – “Musical of Musicals (the Musical)” by Joanne Bogart and Eric Rockwell – after one weekend because of the coronavirus pandemic.  But fortunately, she said, three cast members from that production have returned to the stage for Holiday Cheer.

In all, 13 singers will perform “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and other holiday favorites for the Facebook live event, accompanied by pianist Bev Roby.  Most are soloists, Franklin said, but there are also two duets and a quartet.

The show, which is about 40 minutes long, could be the first of many virtual productions for the community theatre since its founding in 1951 as well as a way of reaching out to the community, Franklin said.  “It’s very much a family production, just full of Christmas fun.”

The cast includes Patty Schwall (O Holy Night), Tim Lutz (Winter Wonderland), Katie Duncan and Patty Schwall (It Came Upon A Midnight Clear), Sydney Harris (My Favorite Things), Matt Hoover (Silent Night), Sydney Harris and Eli Schultz (Baby, It’s Cold Outside), Ella Hoover (Away In a Manger), Keven Orth (Joseph’s Song), Katie Duncan (I’ll Be Home For Christmas), and Jason Chandler, Tim Chandler, Todd Chandler and Matthew Crall (Little Drummer Boy).

Board member Tyler Jacobs will serve as host, with filming of the production by technical director Austin Tuttle.  Tim Lovato is sound technician, while Sydney Harris and Eli Shultz are in charge of set design.  Marina Bayless is assisting Franklin with rehearsals and Rachel Griggs is helping with publicity.

Residents who want to see the holiday show can log in to the Bucyrus Little Theatre’s Facebook page or create a new account.  Although there’s no charge, users once connected will also have the option of donating to the non-profit organization if they wish.