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Green Earth Players perform 'Homecoming, a Christmas Story' Nov. 13-15, Nov. 20-22

Lead Summary
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By
Lori Sorenson

The Green Earth Players community theater group will perform its fall production, “Homecoming, A Christmas Story,” Nov. 13-15 and Nov. 20-22 at the Palace Theatre in Luverne.
From the creator of “The Waltons” television series, this family drama involves more than a dozen local children in the cast of 30 characters.
When Mr. Clay Spencer (Jim Harsma) fails to arrive home at the expected hour on Christmas Eve of 1933, his family grows concerned. 
While his seven brothers and sisters and his mother (DJ Luethje) keep vigil the older son, Clay-boy (Jonah Louwagie) goes in search of his father. 
But on his journey through the snowbound Virginia hills, the boy experiences a series of hazardous, touching and hilarious adventures.
Director Shawn Kinsinger said he chose the play because it’s a good fit for the community.
“‘The Homecoming’ has a theme and a feel that we knew would do well with our audience,” Kinsinger said.
“The fact that our performances are right before Thanksgiving make the choice of a holiday show an easy one.  A Green Earth Players holiday production is a great way to start off the season.”
He said he liked the play’s connection with “The Waltons” television show.
“We knew that the wholesome nature of that show would let audiences know what they could expect in this play,” Kinsinger said.
“We have great young talent that is essential to putting on a show like ‘The Homecoming.’ The adults in the show are great with the kids, and the chemistry they have developed translates to a real feeling of family that makes the show work.”
The complete cast list includes:
Clay Boy - Jonah Louwagie
Olivia - DJ Luethje
Clay Spencer/Grandpa - Jim Harsma
Matt - Xavier Carbonneau
Becky - Mary-Frances Ladd
Mark - Griffen Jarchow
Shirley - Jo-Hannah Ladd
Luke - Britton McKenzie
John - Parker Carbonneau
Pattie Cake - Mallory VonTersch
Grandma - Mary Carroll
Birdshot - Hannah Ehlers
City Lady - Alexa Chesley
Charlie Sneed - Dean Luethje
Sheriff - Mike Petronek
Ike Godsey - Scott Wessels
Mr. Dooly - Phil Voigt
Miss Emma - Jacqueline Johnson
Miss Etta - Shelby Vickery

City kids and church folk: Gabrielle Ferrell, Augusta Papik, Brooke VerSteeg, Brodi Oakley, Josie Anderson, Christen Kessler, Xavier McKenzie, Nathan Kinsinger, Leif Tollefson, Brianna Kinsinger and Ashlyn Johnson
Show times at the Palace are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets are available at the Palace Box Office next to the Palace Theatre. Call 507-283-4339.

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