Christmas Comes to Worth County in January

Christmas came to Worth County in January as the postponed “Yes, Virginia” musical was performed at the school despite cold weather that dipped to at least 11 below zero Monday night. Many other events around the area were canceled that night, but the musical was held as scheduled.

The story is about a young girl, Virginia, who is not sure whether Santa is real. The response by most of the community was a heartwarming reminder of the meaning of Christmas. The production was paid for by a $1,000 grant from Macy’s; the Worth County PTO helped pay for the floor microphones. Worth County was one of only 100 schools across the nation to receive this grant. Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz drew the loudest cheers when he announced that there would be a two hour late start the next morning due to the record cold weather. He also announced that the school would have a drama camp this summer cumulating in another musical, “Annie Junior,” based on the famous orphan girl growing up in the Great Depression.

Characters were Miriam the Librarian (Keelin Engel), Virginia (Olivia Kanak), Ollie (Ethan Frese), Scraggly Santa (Trent Gabriel), the Dancing Pigeons (Madelyn Runde, Krystal Kobbe, Kalli Moellenberndt, Claire McElvain, Lauren Moore, Kaylee McElvain), Mr. Church (Reid Gabriel), Young Mother with Infant (Aivry Griffin), Charlotte (Braidy Hunt), The Jolly Gentleman (Wyatt Frese), Mrs. Whiskers (Justina Wimer), Around the World Santas (A.J. Drury, Aivry Griffin, Elias Alarcon, Kalli Moellenberndt, Kolton Smith, Jeremy Wimer), A Boy and His Dog (Jacob Kanak), News Kids (Elias Alarcon, A.J. Drury, Jeremy Wimer, Kolton Smith, Lincoln Moore, Jacob Kanak), and the Library Patrons (Lauren Moore, Kaylee McElvain).
Working behind the scenes to make the play a success were Regan Drury (Student Director), Riley Drury (Stage Manager), Darin Drury (Set Design), Olivia Davidson and Elizabeth Owens (Stage Crew), Alyssa Kramer and Dr. Matt Martz (Musical Directors), and Nanci Drury (Theatrical Director).

The Worth County Drama Department is seeking donations so that they can continue to put on musicals such as “Yes, Virginia.” By becoming a booster, people and businesses will have their names displayed in programs for a year. Contact Nanci Drury for more information.