Centenial Celebration!

Recent Events: Patchwork Dance Company previewed Michiana’s own holiday tradition, “Christopher’s Christmas” at Barnes & Noble Bookstore on Sunday, November 20 at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.   Public performances were presented at O’Laughlin Auditorium at Saint Mary’s College. Performances were held on Friday, December 2, 7:00 p.m. and at The Lerner Theatre in Elkhart on Saturday, December 3 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. The production also included community outreach through two days of special abridged daytime versions for area students.   A cast of 100 + brought the story to life as Christopher Mouse tried to rekindle the special feeling of Christmas in the heart of his cynical Great Uncle. Colorful sets and costumes, lively dancing and music all combined to make this a holiday favorite enjoyed for twenty-nine years.   “Christopher’s Christmas” has become a tradition that begins the holiday season for so many in the Michiana community that we feel that responsibility along with the excitement of presenting this production,” says artistic director, Debbie Werbrouck. The production process begins with auditions and casting and continues with costume fittings and rehearsals through fall. “We always have new cast members who are taken under the wings of those with experience. It’s not unusual to see performers who began at a very young age, continue to participate as adults. We have had second and even third generation participation.”   While many performers have enjoyed a range of roles in the show, only one person has portrayed one character, Great Uncle Mouse, Karen Stump of Union Michigan. Her casting in that role has always been amusing to her since, her love of the holiday is completely opposite of the feeling of her character at the beginning of the show. Jenn Wolfe of Osceola, who is only the fourth person in more than twenty-nine years, to be cast in the other lead role, Christopher Mouse.