For decades, The Christmas Cup has been a tradition for people of all ages to herald the holidays in a truly meaningful way. Now Mill Mountain Theatre brings that novel back to its stage for the fourth time in a new adaptation by the book’s author, long-time Roanoke educator and children’s novelist Nancy Ruth Patterson. The show will have a cast of seventeen actors, including professional equity performers and local children. The Christmas Cup runs December 5th to the 23rd on the Trinkle MainStage.
When The Christmas Cup novel debuted in 1989, reviewers across the country praised the book. The Los Angeles Times called it “a soft-spoken message of year-round kindness that sounds the right chord for the season.” School Library Journal gave it a starred review, saying “this story exemplifies and transcends the season with its joy in purposeful living.” Roanoke theatre patrons adored the play adaptation when it premiered, claiming the traditional messages resonated with their children in a way few other stories had.
The story of Ann Megan McCallie, third- grade recipient of the Good Citizenship Award, spelling bee champion, and favorite target of bullies, displays the events that unfold after she foolishly buys an old, ugly milkshake cup at an auction. Nannie, her wise grandmother, helps Megan turn that unwanted cup into a vessel of good cheer as together they secretly find a way to make “memories in a milkshake cup.” Along the way, Megan learns to appreciate those who seem different and to be on the look-out for selfless acts of kindness. She learns that sometimes, it’s not the gift, but the giving itself, that makes life special.
The Christmas Cup stars Christy Smith Treece* (Older Megan), Mikayla Parker (Little M), and Barbara Bradshaw* (Nannie). Also featuring: Campbell Allen (Linda), Isabel Braby (Child Ensemble), Connor Dunford (Isaac Yoder), Patrick Kennerly (Mr. Dumphrey & Mr. Burkholder), Pat LoRicco (Joseph Yoder) Sylvia MacNab (Brenda), Charles Meidlinger (Charlie), Sally Moulse (Miss Annie), Sawyer Mullins (Willis), April Parker (Elizabeth Yoder), Quinn Roudebush (Rachel Yoder), Kris Sorensen (Miss Finney), Griffin Shaver (Child Ensemble), and Henry Stevens (Charlie’s Friend).
The Christmas Cup is written by Nancy Ruth Patterson, Directed by Travis Kendrick, with Lighting Design by Bill Webb, Scenic Design by Jimmy Ray Ward, Costume Design by Jessica Gaffney, Properties Design by Matt Shields, and Production Stage Managed by Jessica Edwards*. Technical Direction by Karen Gierchak, Producing Artistic Direction by Ginger Poole, Assistant Stage Management by Elizabeth Bradley, and Sound Consultation by Ayme Gierchak.
*Appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
Sponsors for The Christmas Cup include: B.J. Preas, Better Sofas, Inc., Boxley Materials Company, Brooks Financial Group, Business Solutions, Inc., Chas. Lunsford Sons & Associates , Inc., chocolatepaper, Claytor/Wirt Associates, Davenport & Company LLC, Dixon, Hubard, Feinour & Brown, Inc., Dominion Risk Advisors, Freedom First Credit Union, Frith Anderson & Peake, PC, Integrated Textile Solutions, Interactive Design Group, Miller, Long & Associates, Inc; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Long, Oakey’s Funeral Service & Crematory, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Roanoke Animal Hospital, Roanoke Gas Co. / RGC Resources, Roanoke Valley Orthodontics, Rutherfoord, a Marsh & McLennan Agency, The Convergence Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, and The W.E.McGuire Foundation. Grantors include: Actors’ Equity Association, Blue Star Theatres, Center in the Square, National Endowment for the Arts, Theatre Communications Group, Virginia Commission for the Arts.
Be sure to secure your seats to ‘The Christmas Cup’ running December 5 – 23 on the Trinkle MainStage. Evening performances on Saturday have been adjusted to 5pm for families. Tickets range from $20-25 and can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling 540-342-5740.
