Celebrate the season with 'Charlie Brown'

The Young Adults Theater of Shafter will present “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Shafter Ford Theater on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. Dessert by Bloemhouse Bakery and Tin Cup Coffee will be provided during the performance.

Under the direction of Rori Acres, the cast of 12 has been rehearsing since October to bring this classic Christmas story, where Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas. Not finding it in the silly, goofy advice of his "friends," he discovers through his best friend, Linus, that Christmas is all about the Savior, Christ the Lord, making this the best Christmas Charlie has ever had.

The traditional story is mixed with old-fashioned Christmas songs such as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," taking the audience on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

" ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas' is presented solely by Shafter's young adults as they direct, choreograph, build sets, stage manage, run lights and sound, and control every aspect of the performances. Through this program, the youth are building their theater skills beyond just acting on stage, and there is much pride in the end result, knowing they are the ones who made it happen," Cris Starrh, who founded the group in 1996, said. "God has blessed Shafter with such talent in our youth, and we invite you to share in His gift to us and experience their joy."

The Shafter Ford Theater is located at 1101 E. Lerdo Hwy. Tickets are $20, including dessert, and can be purchased online at shafterfordtheater.com or by calling 661-630-4059.