Homelink Drama II presented “A Winter’s Gift.” The production brought Christmas joy and the spirit of giving to the Ken Fisher Theater. The cast filled the stage with monks, minstrels, mayhem, and mistaken identities; this play was truly a gift to the community.

Last month, a cast of twenty-two students in grades 6th through 12th, two-thirds of whom were gracing the stage for the first time, brought to life a charming story filled with robust characters. Multiple young actors portrayed two characters; their performances weren’t just a matter of quick costume changes but also changes to their voices and demeanors. 

Several of the character’s story threads were interwoven into a complex plot that all boiled down to a simple moral: it is better to give than to receive. 

Teacher and director Jessica Emmans helped these kids craft a play that was truly a pleasure to witness. Some of the most inspirational moments were delivered by some of the youngest actors in the cast, including: Amailia Emmans, Keturah Knox, and Josephine Longly. All three of these young ladies are in 6th grade and delivered powerful performances.

Amid the older actors, there were many standout performances. I want to highlight Sophia Emmans, Stefani Liddell, Martin Schut, and Sophia Hunsaker for impeccable comedic timing and for filling their scenes with energy and laughter. There were many additional strong performances. The whole cast was incredible and demonstrated professionalism throughout the multiple shows. They carried on through the typical hiccups that come with stage productions and were clearly a cohesive and tight-knit group.

It takes the whole village to put on a production like this. Home Link Specialist Crystelle Knox again led a handful of creative kids in a Set Design and Stagecraft class. These kids made everything from castle walls to monastery “stained glass” windows. A small collection of artificial Christmas trees was painted for a frosted look by Deer Park Auto Body.  These trees were carefully placed and rearranged as the characters journeyed through the forest. Deer Park’s Henery Hardware also donated materials for set design.  

Rebecca Basta curated and customized the costumes. From knights and huntsmen to minstrels and the queen herself, a tremendous number of costumes were required. The quality of craftsmanship that Basta brought to this aspect of the production was truly remarkable. 

Additionally, the parents and families of the cast and crew were integral to the smooth running of the production.  From ferrying kids, to moving the set and just being moral support, everyone played a significant part.

Homelink Drama II The entire cast and crew of “Winter Gift” are as follows: Amailia Emmans, Sophia Emmans, Lyla Bolyard, Simon Wood, Marshall Lennartz, Samuel Emmans, Easton Brittain, Cadence Emmans, Sophia Hunsaker, Martin Schut, Aubrey Longly, Keira Erickson, Aleena Erickson, Aliya Hosni, Gerrit Chambers, Samuel Chambers, Keturah Knox, Josephina Longly, Stefani Liddell, Elsa Lennartz, Gabbi Wood, Jazmine Lewis, Micaiah Knox, Malcolm Chambers, Olivia Goslin, Kayleen Lennartz, Judah Dixon, Tehillah Knox, Landon Lofstrom, Olive Utely, Zoey Landstrom, Wyatt Miller, Kenneth Fisher Theater, Aarow Mims, Addy Jones, Samuel Cleveland, Nicholas Ravling, Ryan Hayes, Josiah Knox, Crystelle Knox, Rebecca Basta, and Anne Marie Netzel.