ArtPlay presents “Yuletide in Dogtown,” holiday family show, Dec. 20-21

Join the fuzzy canine residents of Dogtown for four shows as they learn the true meaning of the season when a cat moves into town.

asc yuletidedogtown sThe University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center and ArtPlay will present holiday favorite “Yuletide in Dogtown,” with four shows Dec. 20-21, 2013.

The dogs are back in town and waiting eagerly for the holiday season in this original interactive, musical adventure for children and families. Join the fuzzy canine residents of Dogtown — Spike, Fifi, Scotty and Beauregard — as they learn the true meaning of the season when a cat moves into town. Can they have a merry time when Felicity Feline joins them at the holiday table? “Yuletide in Dogtown” encourages the best of the holiday spirit, tolerance and good will for all, including cats and dogs.

Created by local playwright and the ASC’s very own Jerry Sims, the show offers families a delightful time at the theater and a fun, fulfilling educational experience. Sims has a talent for making interesting characters come to life. He has written a number of “ArtPlay Presents” productions, with original takes on classics such as “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and “A Christmas Carol.”

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 21 in the ASC’s Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall, 1200 10th Ave. South. Come early and meet the dogs of Hand in Paw. Stay after the show and meet the costumed canine characters. Tickets are $8 for children, $10 for adults. For tickets, visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.org or call 205-975-2787.

The cast includes Ron Bourdages as the show’s narrator and musician, with Lee Griner as Beauregard Bloodhound, Holly Croney Dikeman as poodle Fifi Latour, Darrell Revel as Scotty Mactavish, mayor of Dogtown, Kimberly Kirklin as Felicity Feline and Sims as Spike the Bulldog.