Rise Up Arts Alliance Presents “A Star Trek Christmas”

November 15, 2024
By Eve Copeland

The Rise Up Arts Alliance is bringing a unique holiday experience to the stage with their latest production, A Star Trek Christmas. This festive play, running from November 15-17, 2024, combines the beloved world of Star Trek with the magic of Christmas, promising an adventure that’s out of this world.

The story follows Captain Kirk and his crew as they are assigned holiday surveillance duty on Bor 5, a remote mining planet that supplies Santa’s coalamite. All seems calm until the Klingons arrive with a plan to get their names off the naughty list and destroy the coalamite supply. Will Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and the rest of the crew be able to save Christmas?

Scott Gottliebson, a lifelong Trekkie, jumped at the opportunity to direct this unique performance. “Star Trek is part of the fabric of our country,” Gottliebson said. “Come see the show because you grew up with this, and to blend the world of Star Trek with the world of Saint Nicholas is such a groovy thing.”

Produced by Judith Cosgray, the play features a talented cast including Jason Melick as Captain Kirk, Jay Mattlin as Mr. Spock, and Jessica Hill as Yeoman Marla Bates.

The play is fun for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the television series. However, there are plenty of references for die-hard fans to enjoy. Audience members may spot Easter Eggs from other science fiction franchises as well.

For an added treat, the show is flush with midcentury nostalgia. From the aliens in go-go boots to the Enterprise crew’s favorite dance tracks, the call-back to the sixties is a fun bonus. Best of all are the vintage advertisements shown during scene changes. In one commercial, the Pillsbury Doughboy blushes after receiving a kiss on the cheek from a pre-Brady Maureen McCormick.

Captain Kirk (Jason Melick) negotiates with the Klingons: Commander Kolon (Megan Blue), Roqcho (Teylar Armes) and QwK’rete (Shanna Jordan). Photo by JAMS Photography

Concessions will be provided before the show and during intermission, including a nonalcoholic cantina offering a variety of Trek-inspired cocktails such as “Klingon Bloodwine,” “Romulan Ale,” and “Genesis Sunrise.” The “Make It So” hot tea, combining Earl Grey with lavender and foam, is exceptional.

Performances will be held at the Lancaster Parks and Recreation Community Center (632 W. Fifth Ave. Lancaster), with shows on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, November 16 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and Sunday, November 17 at 4:00 PM.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday show that promises to boldly go where no community theatre has gone before!

Tickets are available at the door or online at riseuparts.ludus.com. Online prices are $12 for adults ages 12 and older, $10 for senior citizens and those who have served in the military, and $8 for children ages 3-11. Prices at the door will be three dollars more.