STORY OF THE PLAY (based on a true story)

“Dear Editor, is there a Santa Claus?” - a question innocently asked by eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon. Christmas was coming and all was right with the world … until her friends mischievously told her the “facts” about Old Saint Nick. To whom could she turn for the truth? Not her father, a doctor who is always fighting old world superstitions. Not her teacher, who is fed up with Christmas even before it has arrived. So Virginia writes a letter to the editor of the New York Sun. Her father always said, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Her letter falls into the hands of Francis P. Church, a veteran editorial writer who seeks to cut away at lies with his razor sharp wit. He knows there is no avoiding the question. He must answer, and answer truthfully. And so he begins his reply which was to become one of the most memorable and cherished editorials in newspaper history: "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus."

SPOTLIGHT ORGANIZATION

As part of its mission to keep theatre in the community and the community in theatre, The Understudies has selected Our House - Child Abuse Prevention Team as the Spotlight Organization for this production. Our House/CAPT empowers and supports children and families in need by connecting them with vital resources and services such as employment assistance, housing, access to nutritious food, and other forms of support that promote long-term stability and wellbeing. Our House/CAPT also offers supervised visitation services and parenting classes to help parents and guardians build stronger, healthier, relationships with their children.

The Understudies is honored to donate 20% from each ticket sold to Our House/CAPT in support of the programs and services it provides in Wilkes County.

MARQUEE SPONSOR

This production is made possible through the generous support of InfusionPoints. Founded in 2007, InfusionPoints is locally owned and operated and helps organizations build secure, compliant business solutions that protect consumer, employee, mission and partner information. The Understudies extends its appreciation to InfusionPoints for helping to keep theatre in the community and the community in theatre.

"Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" Presented by The Understudies

The Spotlight Organization for this production is Our House - Child Abuse Prevention Team; The Marquee Sponsor for this production is InfusionPoints