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The highlight of most children's school year is the annual Christmas concert, and that's the basis for the HAWK Theatre production of "The Concert," which opens Friday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., at the Lucknow Town Hall Theatre.

Written by Ruth Alton, who also co-directs with Maureen Matchett, the show is actually a play within a play, as the first act contains the excitement gearing up for the concert, and the second act is the actual performance of the concert.

In a cast of almost 20, only two are adults, which offers numerous challenges. 

Steve Howard is charming as the school janitor, Mr. Cleaver, who always wanted to perform in a Christmas concert and never had the chance.

Well, he gets his chance in this show and does an admirable job, singing and accompanying himself on guitar - and that is really Howard singing and playing - there is no stunt-double.

Howard has acting experience, performing in plays at The Livery in Goderich.

Keith Vander Hoek is the Chairman of the School Board who introduces each act during the actual school concert.

Vander Hoek deserves kudos for stepping in at the last minute, with little preparation. While a long-time member of HAWK Theatre, this is his first role on stage, and he appears to be enjoying it.

Rachael Nivins is Miss Parker, the school teacher, and joining her on stage are the school children: Sherydan Jones, Jessica Nelson, Christine Listman, Kelsey Fischer, Kenzie Weber, Shane Logtenberg, Alexis Logtenberg, Natalie Van Niyenhuis, Amanda King, Claire Howard, Robin Montgomery, Logan Stanley, Sarah Alton, Liam Psutka, and Bella Rothmaier.

While it requires a bit more polishing, the performance at media night Tuesday (Nov. 22) showed plenty of enthusiasm by the children as they sang and danced and did their recitations with great gusto - just as you would expect in a typical school Christmas concert.

There are the invariable miscues and slip-ups, and whether intentional or unintentional, they actually add a bit of humour and nostalgia to the show. We can all remember messing up in our own school concerts, and being corrected by our teachers.

It's a great bit of fun and showcases the many talents of the young people and adults on stage.

Produced by Gail Vander Hoek, the show runs Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2:30 p.m., in the Lucknow Town Hall Theatre. A live video feed is available on the lower level for those who cannot climb the stairs to the auditorium.

Tickets are $10 each, available at Everlastings Flowers in Lucknow, Jerome Flowers and Gifts in Kincardine, The Village Flower Shop in Ripley, Earth Angel in Wingham, or by calling 519-528-3019.

Playwright and co-director Ruth Alton (R) reads for one of the missing actors, in a scene with Miss Parker (Rachael Nivins)

Sherydan Jones (L) and Sarah Alton act out a scene from a skit, "A Mouse Saved the Day," part of "The Concert"

Logan Stanley does a dance number in "The Concert"

Steve Howard (L) as Mr. Cleaver performs in the final scene of "The Concert," with Keith Vander Hoek as the Chairman

Keith Vander Hoek enjoys his first role on stage, as the Chairman of the School Board



Amanda King (L) and Claire Howard perform in "The Concert"



Rachael Nivins (L) as Miss Parker demands to know why Shane Logtenberg, as Larry, is late for class

Kelsey Fischer (L) listens as Mr. Cleaver (Steve Howard), the janitor, tells of his own disillusionment with Christmas concerts

Acting out a scene from "A Mouse Saved the Day," part of "The Concert," are Sherydan Jones (L), Sarah Alton, Shane Logtenberg, and Kenzie Weber



Robin Montgomery (L) and Jessica Nelson are chatty neighbours in "Mind Your Own Business," part of "The Concert"

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Saturday, November 26, 2011