A Weekend of Holiday Films at Westport Country Playhouse

Westport Country Playhouse presents a weekend of three classic holiday films, Dec. 11 - 13, featuring "A Christmas Story," Sing-a-long "White Christmas," and "Miracle on 34th Street."

"A Christmas Story," a film about growing up in the 1940s and wanting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, will be screened at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11.  The movie stars Peter Billingsley and Melinda Dillon.  A Playhouse Young Professionals Event, the evening will begin with a pre-show cocktail party in the lobby at 6:30 p.m., with appetizers from Rizzuto's of Westport, Tito's Handmade Vodka holiday punch, and door prizes, including the chance to win a campy Leg Lamp, as featured in the film. Tickets are $15.

Sing-a-long "White Christmas," starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney will be screened at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.  The movie's Irving Berlin score includes "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "Mandy," "Blue Skies," "Sisters," "Snow," "Gee I Wish I Was Back in the Army" and, of course, "White Christmas."  Song lyrics will be displayed above the screen for audience participation. A special surprise awaits the audience at the film's finale. Tickets are $10.

"Miracle on 34th Street," a comedy-fantasy film starring Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn, is set for 3 p.m. Dec. 13.  When Kris Kringle encounters an unbelieving child while working in Macy's, he goes on trial to prove he's truly Santa Claus. The film won Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle), Best Writing - Original Story and Best Writing - Screenplay. It was also nominated for Best Picture. Prior to the film, there will be a holiday open house for families in the Sheffer Studio starting at 1:30 p.m.  Children who bring a toy donation (or $10 monetary donation) for Norwalk's Children's Connection (Children's Bank Program) will have the opportunity to decorate a holiday cookie. All cookies and decorating supplies are nut-free. The Children's Connection serves over 3,000 abused and neglected children annually. Tickets to the film are $10.

For more information or ticket purchases, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.westportplayhouse.org.