Brazos Valley TROUPE's onstage Christmas party was intended for the cast only, but it never fails that someone, sometimes young, sometimes not, will sneak up on the stage at intermission and grab a cookie.
Last year, managing/artistic director M.A. Sterling decided to decriminalize the culprits and invite part of the audience to partake. The same holds true when TROUPE's most popular concert of the year takes place next weekend.
A special "Goodies Night" will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday with all tickets $10, which includes snacks and beverages. Other performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Dec. 16.
Patrons who take advantage of the cabaret seating will gain access to the stage snacks as well as a holiday CD by Sterling and a beverage before the show. Table tickets are $30 for two, $40 for three and $50 for four. Other tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for senior citizens, $6 for TROUPE members and children 18 and under.
Because this show usually sells out, reservations are recommended by calling 846-4903 or e-mailing bvttix@yahoo.com at least 12 hours before curtain time.
The theme was established nearly 15 years ago when TROUPE was getting started. The stage is set up to resemble Sterling's living room. The cast arrives in ones and twos, bringing games or goodies and hanging wraps on the coat rack. After hugs and greetings, cast members step out of the party to sing familiar expressions of the holiday season.
"This is always a special time for us because it is the last performance of a busy Christmas season," Sterling said. "We have sung at city council meetings and office parties. It really gives meaning to our mantra of being 'Aggieland's Ambassadors of the Arts.'"
The program varies little from year to year. The audience counts on hearing Donna Jones sing Christmas Shoes and Sterling's rendition of O Holy Night.
"Every year, people tell me that hearing me sing that makes them feel that Christmas has officially arrived," Sterling said. "And I always marvel at how moved the audience gets when Donna sings Christmas Shoes."
Carols will be mixed with contemporary standards, and the style will range from rock to country.
In addition to Sterling and Jones, the cast consists of Sara Brittain, Brianna Buth, Jenna Gonzalez, Ethan Guthrie, Susan Guthrie, Sylvia Harmon-Jones, Danielle Lamphear, Tabitha Lamphear, Wendi Lamphear, Justin Olexey, Shelly Ray, Tommy Rowan, Mollie Rush and Emily Savage.
• Jim Butler's e-mail address is jim.butler@theeagle.com.
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