'Shaping up Santa': South Elementary presents annual Christmas play

After getting stuck in a chimney flute last Christmas, Mrs. Claus puts Santa on a strict diet to ensure the same occurrence doesn't happen again this year. Little does she know, some of Santa's elves have been sneaking him food and he hasn't lost an ounce. After enrolling and failing at Betty Body's Health Haven, the Clauses come to learn that it's not the size of the package or how beautifully it's wrapped. It's what is inside that counts.

That is the premise to the 2008 South Elementary School Annual Christmas Play, "Shaping Up Santa."

The play will be presented at 1:40 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Thursday, Dec. 11. The play was also presented on Monday and Tuesday with the fifth grade classes of Kim Figgins, Richie Leeker, Deb McKuin, and Kim Dyers performed with Garrett Donehoo playing the part of Santa and Ashlyn Smith portraying Betty Body. The other lead role, Mrs. Claus, was played by Alexa McPherson.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the fifth grade classes of Christy Daugherty, Diane Medlock, Angel White, and LeAnn Woodard will perform with Brenden Sweger playing the part of Santa, Sidney Davis playing Betty Body, and Reagan Blue playing Mrs. Claus.

The cast began practicing around Thanksgiving and "have worked really hard," said Linda Collins, play director. "I'm really proud of my students."

"Shaping Up Santa" was originally written in 1985 and, according to Collins, is no longer in print.

"If I lose the music, we won't be able to do it anymore," Collins said.

Collins also noted that she has had a lot of help from the teaching staff in getting the play organized.

"It say's 'Linda Collins: Director' but it's really a group effort," Collins said.

The South Elementary School performs one play per grade level each year.

The fourth grade recently performed the fall play, which was based on pirates, and the third grade will perform the yet undecided spring play.