MANSFIELD, Ohio–The Mansfield Playhouse is at it again as “The Christmas Bus” finds its way into hearts during the festive Christmas season. The play premieres on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and runs through Dec. 14.
This contemporary story, written by Robert Inman from North Carolina, takes place in Peaceful Valley in an unknown state. Mrs. Frump is the director of the Peaceful Valley Orphanage and she has decided to show her children some Christmas magic. She finds each child a new family and a way to deliver them: the Christmas bus, which is a rickety, old bus given to her by the local baseball team. She does this behind the “busybodies” who run the orphanage and is soon pursued by them and the suspicious Sheriff Snodgrass. Along the way, they pick up a troubadour on his way to see his fiancee who might not be happy to see him.
According to Resident Artistic Director Doug Wertz, “The Christmas Bus” is a neat story with a true, Christmas-happy ending. Wertz was made Mansfield Playhouse’s Resident Artistic Director on July 1. He plans to direct seven plays during 2014-2015 on the main stage, but says his main focus will be the production of professional-quality shows.
“Just because we are a community theater doesn’t mean that we don’t strive for professional quality,” said Wertz. “We try hard to keep our costs down so ticket cost stays down. We want to make this affordable.”
“We are a community theater, nobody owns it; it belongs to the community. So we ask for involvement and we have so many volunteers that will help us out,” commented Wertz.
In fact, Wertz builds most of the sets for the Playhouse’s productions. He designed the bus for “The Christmas Bus,” with assistance from his sons and some of the cast members. An artist from Ashland, Sally Tharp, painted the backdrops.
Wertz said his dream is to see a greater appreciation for live theater. It’s his passion, and he wishes to share it with others with hopes to spark a community-wide interest and appreciation for the live arts. He has been involved with the Mansfield Playhouse since 1978; he even met his wife there, who now runs the box office and helps with the Playhouse’s marketing strategies.
“If I have any talent, it was a gift. And gifts are meant to be shared. That’s what I enjoy the most, is being able to share and my biggest receipt is then just the simple appreciation of applause. There’s my passion,” said Wertz.
To experience Wertz’s and his team’s passion, come to the opening premier of “The Christmas Bus” on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Shows will continue on Dec. 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website or call 419-522-2883.
“We are a community theater, nobody owns it; it belongs to the community. So we ask for involvement and we have so many volunteers that will help us out,” commented Doug Wertz.
