STCC College Theatre Workshop presents holiday comedy ‘One Christmas Eve at the Evergreen Mall’

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College invites the public to enjoy some holiday cheer as the STCC College Theatre Workshop presents its fall production, “One Christmas Eve at the Evergreen Mall,” by Lynne Halliday, James Hindman, Arlene Hutton and Craig Pospisil.

Performances will take place in the Scibelli Theater (Building 2) on the STCC campus on the following dates and times:

• Thursday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m.
• Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.

Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted to support the STCC theater program.

Set in a Midwestern shopping mall on Christmas Eve, “One Christmas Eve at the Evergreen Mall” weaves together eight heartfelt and humorous stories. Audiences will meet a lovesick Santa Claus, an overenthusiastic security guard, old high school classmates reunited by chance and teenagers discovering first love – all in one magical evening.

Critics have called the play “clever throughout, and (offering) a number of both lovely and fun moments… It provides a feel-good holiday experience that may leave you with some fond memories,” according to Hy Reviews.

“I chose to do this production because it not only will get us in the mood for the holidays –  it will also provide a great opportunity to showcase our amazing students,” said Professor Phil O’Donoghue, director of the STCC College Theatre Workshop. “That includes our students from the STCC Architecture and Construction Management programs who will be designing and building the set.”

I chose to do this production because it not only will get us in the mood for the holidays –  it will also provide a great opportunity to showcase our amazing students. Professor Phil O'Donoghue, Director of the STCC College Theatre Workshop

O’Donoghue added, “This show gives our architecture and construction management students a real chance to show off what they’ve got. The play takes place in a mall, so there are a lot of scene changes and complex design elements. The students have been in the theater, measuring and building, and I just saw a 3D mock-up of the set – it’s going to be pretty impressive.”

The production marks a special milestone for O’Donoghue, who is retiring at the end of the semester. O’Donoghue began teaching at STCC in 2005 as a half-time professor and has directed numerous productions over the years. “One Christmas Eve at the Evergreen Mall” will be his final play with the STCC College Theatre Workshop.

Mary Lou Vredenburg, Dean of Liberal and Professional Studies at STCC, said the production is an example of how the arts bring students and the community together.

“Theatre productions like this one give our students an invaluable opportunity to collaborate, create and connect with audiences,” Vredenburg said. “They gain hands-on experience that builds confidence and communication skills, while the Greater Springfield community gets to enjoy an uplifting story that celebrates the holiday spirit. It’s a wonderful reminder of how education and the arts enrich us all.”

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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