Saturday afternoon, Dec. 8, the Watkins community theater group performed their 29th Christmas play, again under the direction of Jerry Oster.
This year’s play was a familiar theme: pirates kidnap Santa and hold him for ransom, the North Pole sends a rescue mission, the pirates realize the error of their ways, and Christmas is saved.
Cast included Sue Unterberger, Tony Scheeler, Connie Mathies, Kay Kielty, Brianna Miller, Tristan Larson, Dan “Hilly” Hilsgen, Jeff “Skinner” Hilsgen, Morgan
Schlangen, Cathy Lindenfelser, Renee Miller, Alice Coe, Nickie Hennen, Kayla Ertl, and Lori Geislinger. Many were “old-timers” to the Watkins Christmas play, and there were a few new faces as well.
Stage managers and crew were Leroy Holthaus, Gwen Asfeld, Pat Larson, and Kate Weseman.
Following the play, toys and Watkins Bucks were given to dozens of children who had registered before the play.
Then Santa arrived to visit with all the children who wanted to. The Watkins Lions then hosted kids and their families at the Skating Rink for free hot dogs, cocoa, and sleigh rides.
“Thank you” to the Watkins Chamber of Commerce, Watkins Lions, and all the local businesses and organizations who again helped to make the annual Christmas play such a success in Watkins! Be sure to watch for the 30th performance Saturday afternoon, Dec. 14, 2019.