Angelina College Theatre to Present Christmas Production “The Snow Queen and the Goblin” at Temple Theater

The Snow Queen is experiencing a dilemma. She can’t love because her heart is frozen, and the only warmth she experiences comes from her attraction to bright, cheerful children who make her feel much happier.

The big problem lies in the fact that the only way the Queen can have these children around is to “steal” them. In time, they too, become frozen, drab and hopeless. Not until she recruits Acha le Goblin to help kidnap the precocious Kay, in turn setting off a rescue attempt from Kay’s best friend Gerda, does the Queen learn that faith, friendship and love are more warming than any fire.

Angelina College Theatre brings the ice and snow from the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, re-written by Martha Bennett King, to the Temple Theater stage beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 4.

Director Kary Raine expressed her excitement at bringing the play to Lufkin, citing the play’s visual nature and classic themes.

“The play is visually absolutely stunning,” Raine said, “and has classic themes of love and friendship. It should be fun for the whole family.”

She noted that the broad physical humor displayed by the “bad guys” is especially suited to younger children.

Courtney Gaither of Whiteplains, N.Y. takes on the role of the Snow Queen, and Justin Walker of Lufkin will play Acha le Goblin. The rest of the cast includes Eric Smith of Lufkin as Kay; Danyelle McClain of Lufkin as Gerda; Lindsey Campbell of Diboll as The Grandmother; Matthew Bowling of Hudson and Alicia Earls of Bay City as the Snow Queen’s guards; Amanda Cheavens of Central, Lindsey Johnson of Dallas, Rebecca English of Huntington, Seleste Holloway of Nacogdoches and Rosalinda Olivares of Diboll as the Snow Children.

The production staff includes Justin Walker, Assistant Director; Nancy McClelland, Stage Manager; Rosalinda Olivares and Eric Smith, Props; Matthew Bowling and Taja King, Props Running Crew; Tyler Bentley, ; Lighting Designer & Light Board Operator; Luis Escobedo, Assistant Lighting Designer; Courtney Gaither, Sound Engineer; Danielle Reid, Sound Board Operator; Brianna DiLorenzo, Costume Designer; Rebecca English, Costume Assistant; Lindsey Johnson, Costume Running Crew; Alicia Mayhew, Make-up and Hair Design; and ReAnna Hicks, Assistant to Hair and Make-up.

All seats are reserved. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for children, seniors, and students. For tickets, call the Temple Theater Box Office at (936) 633-5454 between 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.

For more information about the play or other Fine Arts events, call (936) 633-5233 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

SNOW QUEEN AND COURT – The Snow Queen (Courtney Gaither) holds court with Acha le Goblin (Justin Walker, kneeling) and her Snow Children (Rebecca English, Seleste Holloway and Amanda Cheavens). Angelina College Theatre will present Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen and the Goblin” at the Temple Theater on Dec. 3 and 4.