PARIS — The annual Christmas for Teens benefit show, “Holiday Treasures,” gets underway Friday, Dec. 13.
The show, now in its 14th year, raises money to help buy Christmas presents for economically-eligible and homeless teenagers in the Oxford Hills region.
“It is crucial to us,” said Jean Delamater of the program sponsor, Rigthstart Inc. It’s the single largest fundraiser of the program, she said.
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School auditorium. The snow date is Dec. 14.
Tickets are $10 and $7 and may be purchased at Books N Things on Main Street in Norway, from cast members, or at the door.
“It’s a fabulous show,” said Cynthia Wescott, a veteran musical director and retired teacher. She will lead the all-volunteer community chorus, accompanied by Virginia Noble.
Wescott said the show, which she wrote, is about two mice who live in an old Victorian home overlooking a concert hall. The 50-plus members of the Benefit Chorus will sing selections that Wescott described as exciting, expressive, upbeat and reflective.
“They come from everywhere,” Wescot said of the performers. Often they come right from work to the two-hour weekly rehearsals. “They buckle right down and have a great time.”
The show will include community groups, school ensembles, soloists and dancers, including a group of tap dancers.
“I needed more dancers. These kids wanted to tap,” she said.
There will also be other chorus groups, drama club members and instrumentalists, including brass and string groups.
The show has raised more than $35,000 and served more than 2,100 teenagers since it was initiated in 2000.
“The numbers and need have grown steadily over the years and without the help of the community the program could not survive,” Delamater said.
Christmas for Teens is a a nonprofit organization helping teenagers in the Oxford Hills School District towns of Norway, Paris, Oxford, Otisfield, Hebron, Harison, Waterford and West Paris.
The requests for gifts often include clothing, personal care items, music, games, books, gift certificates, etc.
Although the deadline for applications has passed, more information can be obtained by contacting Jean Delamater at 539-4587 or send tax-deductible donations to Christmas for Teens, care of Rightstart Inc. P.O. Box 726, Norway, ME 04268.
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