‘Coal Camp’ a celebration of generosity

Kimberley McGee

Friday, Dec. 7, 2001 | 9:58 a.m.

This year, to save the public from yet another version of the traditional seasonal play "A Christmas Carol," the members of the Performing Arts Center at the Community College of Southern Nevada chose a historical holiday show.

The 2nd Annual Christmas Festival from the Society for the Preservation of Arts, Culture and Environment and CCSN features local actors in "Coal Camp Madonna."

The holiday production centers on the generosity of spirit and redemption.

"We want to keep the history alive and the culture," Willene Wadkins, director of the play, said. "This is a historical drama that shows the segregation between the rich and the poor and the diverse community of these (mining) towns."

The play begins in the winter of 1901. On the doorsteps of a coal mining town's affluent general store owners is a baby bundled against the cold. Inside lies Annie, a baby girl who will soften the steely exteriors of the coal camp's gruff citizens.

Francine, the destitute and desperate mother who abandoned Annie, longs to hold her infant daughter one last time before moving on to another town that promises work.

Through the kindness of a handyman, Francine's Christmas wish for a better life for her daughter is realized.

"It's something different for Christmas," Wadkins said. "We want to make it an event, not just a play."

A pre-show concert of Christmas carols and mining songs from the early 20th century begins 30 minutes before the curtain rises each evening.

Erik McMillan, who plays the town's doctor, strums a guitar and fills the audience in on what it was like to live in the harsh climates and dangerous conditions of the mining towns.

Apple cider, Christmas cookies and snacks baked and brought by the cast will also be available.

"We want everybody to come in and be pulled into the play," Wadkins said. "We want them to enjoy it and understand the rich history. And have fun, too."

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