By Chrissy Carter
Contributing Writer

RESERVE – St. John Theatre and St. James Community Theater are joining together this Christmas season to provide holiday entertainment for the River Parishes. The Living Christmas Tree opens this weekend, and it showcases some of the River Parishes’ finest talent.

“The last time we performed The Living Christmas Tree was in 2010, so this is very exciting to be able to share the stage with St. John Theatre,” said Director Cobly Chabaud.

The two-act choral production ranges from 7- to 70-year-old members. Participants will sing a wide variety of popular Christmas songs in four-part harmony as well as narrate the classic Nativity story.  

“This production is much more traditional than many other Christmas shows. It’s good to have that one special experience during Christmas time to remind you what the season is all about,” said Chabaud.

Act one of the production showcases the chorus as they sing traditional holiday carols. In Act two, audience members will see a magnificent sight as choral members share the stage creating a remarkably huge and vibrant living Christmas tree.

In true Christmas tradition, a live Nativity scene will be depicted on stage.

“We want audience members to have the full Christmas experience,” said Chabaud.

Members from the St. John and St. James theaters worked close together for the past few months and are now considered a big happy family.

“Here at St. John Theater we one big family, and we are always happy to welcome new members, so having St. James Theater here with us is wonderful. We have all become so close,” said St. John Theater veteran Marcy Bordelon.

The Living Christmas Tree runs Dec. 7, and 8 at 7:30 p.m., and on Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at St. John Theatre. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children and $8 for senior citizens.