THEATRE + COMEDY

Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC) continues its 6th season of bringing family-friendly entertainment to Houston with its Mainstage Christmas Production of The Quiltmaker’s Gift and The Gift of the Magi opening at 8 PM on Friday, December 3 and running through Sunday, December 19, 2010.

“As we planned our Christmas production for this year we selected two one act musicals with the timeless message that true happiness comes from freely giving to others,” said Bob Clark, HFAC Executive Director.

The first act The Quiltmaker's Gift, directed by Lisa Garza with music direction by Sam Brown and choreography by Beth Chrisman, is based on the bestselling book by Jeff Brumbeau and illustrated by Gail deMarcken. The second act The Gift of the Magi, directed by Ron Jones with music direction by Sam Brown and choreography by Pamela Moore, is based on O. Henry’s famous short story.

The HFAC Christmas production will be presented at 8 PM Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 PM on Sundays on the HFAC Garza Mainstage in the Houston Family Arts Center at 10760 Grant Road, Houston, TX 77070. 

The Quiltmaker’s Gift tells the story, narrated by an old man (played by John Stevens), of a mysterious woman (played by Yvonne Nelson) who lives in the misty mountains, making beautiful quilts for the poor. Meanwhile, a greedy king (played by David Carter) is desperate to find happiness, assuming it will come from one of the many presents he has demanded from his subjects.

When the old woman refuses to give the king a quilt, she starts him on a journey of self-discovery that takes them both on a whimsical adventure. The ensemble (played by Lara Clapp, Tyler Galindo, Katie Oliveira, Becky Lou Ruiz, Elizabeth Watters, and Brad Zimmerman) and Child (played by Sara Caster, Mandy Miller, and Alyssa Mills) help tell this story that is at times mystical, hilarious, gently provocative and touching.

The Gift of the Magi plot revolves around newlyweds, Jim (played by Joshua Clark) and Della (played by Daina Gozan). They struggle through hard financial times, inspired largely by their love for each other. With Christmas approaching and no money for gifts, they each search for the perfect present for the other, while sacrificing the possessions most precious to themselves.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Performance Location: HFAC Garza Mainstage 10760 Grant Road, Houston, TX 77070

Opening: FRIDAY, December 3 at 8 pm

Performances:
Friday, December 3 at 8 PM
Saturday, December 4 at 8 PM
Sunday, December 5 at 3 PM
Friday, December 10 at 8 PM
Saturday, December 11 at 8 PM
Sunday, December 12 at 3 PM
Friday, December 17 at 8 PM
Saturday, December 18 at 8 PM
Sunday, December 19 at 3 PM

TICKET PRICES: $16/adults, $14/seniors (65+), $12/students, reserved seating. Select your seats online at www.houstonfac.com or call the HFAC Box Office at 281-685-6374.

HFAC SEASON SPONSORS
National Oilwell Varco
Dr. Mario and Lisa Garza

HOUSTON FAMILY ARTS CENTER – HOUSTON’S FAMILY THEATRE
Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, founded in December 2005 to provide a fun outlet for creative community involvement through the production of high-quality, family-friendly, affordable entertainment. Each year, HFAC produces family-friendly musicals, comedies, and dramas. The HFAC Actors’ Academy provides numerous acting, singing and dancing classes and workshops for children, teens, and adults. HFAC is the recipient of the 2009 & 2010 Nickelodeon Parents’ Picks Award for “Houston’s Best Theater for Kids.”

To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit www.houstonfac.com  or call 281-685-6374.

PHOTO CREDIT : ( L to R) John Stevens, Alyssa Mills and Yvonne Nelson play Old Man, Child and Quiltmaker the HFAC production of The Quiltmaker’s Gift. (HFAC by David Branson).