A Christmas Classic For a Cause

Christmas comes early this year to Hillsborough as the High School Theatre Company performs Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." And the group also hopes to give to those in need at the same time, looking to collect food donations after Hurricane Sandy swept through the area.

Opening night is set for this Thursday evening at 7 p.m., with additional shows Friday at 7 p.m. and two on Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets are price at $12 and can be purchased at the company's website by clicking on "box office."

The cast of 50 students, which includes 16 students from the elementary schools, Auten Road School and middle school, have been working since late September preparing for Thursday's opening night.   

But Hurricane Sandy almost brought down the curtain before it went up. The group's hundreds of costumes were delayed in transit by the storm and just arrived on Monday. Despite losing two critical weeks of rehearsal time, the company's artistic director BJ Solomon promises to have everyone ready. 

In addition to the many costumes, there are also special effects including four artificial snow machines, making this production truly unique.

The group has also joined forces with Sandy Relief Food Drive sponsored by Prudential to help bring Thanksgiving to those affected by the devastation of the hurricane.

The group will be collecting items at the performances, and asks the community to bring help to those in need.

Items needed include: 

• Canned  meats 
• Instant mashed potatoes 
• Canned yams 
• Cranberry sauce 
• Gravy 
• Stuffing 
• Macaroni and cheese 
• Condensed milk 
• Canned vegetables 
• Rice 
• Canned fruit 
• Plastic utensils 
• Paper products 

In addition to "A Christmas Carol," the company will perform three other productions this school year:

• "Beauty and the Beast," March 8-16 
• Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre," May 10-11 
• "Hillsborough Shorts," one act plays directed by students, May 31.

Season tickets are available through www.HHSTheatre.org