Submitted

Christmas songs and Christmas stories make Christmas memories that are shared during this time of year. “PhoeniXmas” is a half-hour program by the readers’ theatre group, Phoenix Readers, that includes readings of holiday songs.

Performances are free, run approximately 30 minutes, and are available to school groups, churches, retirement centers, organizations, libraries and festivals.

Twelve actors make up two casts of six actors each, and each cast will vary based on availability: Becky Porter, Beth Cook, Donna Prunkl, Gretchen Tracy, Lori Van Wallendael, Linda Jones, Trent Wilson, Ray Davies, Mark Curran, Buddy Farnan, Randy Overcash, Shawn Van Wallendael, Chip Carter and Duane Galloway. Anne Wilson and Becky Porter co-conceived the “PhoeniXmas” show, and Anne is director.

Phoenix Readers has entertained Rowan County and surrounding communities since Jim Epperson founded it in 2015. In addition to the holiday program, their repertoire includes “Southern Folk Tales,” “Oh, The Wonderful World of Dr. Seuss,” and more. They also specialize in creating programs built around specific themes, such as “All We Need Is Love” (love poems) and “A Patriot’s Songbook” (patriot songs), as well as programs featuring poetry of specific poets.

The acting style of readers theatre is a fusion of traditional acting and reading techniques. Scripts are read, and physical action is mostly restricted to gesture, facial expression and limited movement. The performance is often called “theatre of the mind” for the audiences see the dramatic action in their minds. The name, Phoenix Readers, is borrowed from the mythological Greek bird who rose up out of the ashes, for like the phoenix, these talented and experienced actors are all seniors.

To arrange for a performance, contact Jones at 704-212-2164.