Forget the shopping lists and stocking stuffers. This November, The Playhouse at McConnellstown invites audiences to unwrap something special with “An Orphan’s Light,” on stage November 21 through November 30.

Set in December 1897 at the Juniper Home for Children in Juniper, Ohio, this touching play by Huntingdon County native Emmie White explores enduring themes of love, redemption, and the unbreakable spirit of community when facing uncertainty.

The Juniper Home for Children is in jeopardy: Thomas Jones plans to close the orphanage to save his family's candle factory, which is struggling against the rise of Edison's electric light bulb. In addition, Thomas chooses to cancel the home’s annual Christmas Eve festivities—an event that the children look forward to every holiday season.

The integrity and compassion of the orphanage staff including Headmistress Elsa, Governess Nellie, and Groundskeeper Levi challenge Thomas’s resolve. Elsa works to find placements for the children while Nellie and Levi plan a secret holiday feast.

Teenagers at the orphanage unite to create their own holiday joy, determined to keep the spirit of Christmas alive for the smaller children. Meanwhile, the workers at the Jones Candle Company step forward to offer support, proving that the home means more to the town than just brick and mortar.

As the staff and adolescents work to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, this powerful production builds to a truly joyous and unforgettable holiday celebration. Audiences won’t want to miss this heartwarming experience that captures the true meaning of the season.

The cast for this production includes Andrew Schall as Thomas Jones, Anita Bowers as Headmistress Elsa, Meg Whitesel as Governess Nellie, and Kevin Donahue as Groundskeeper Levi. The kitchen girls include Natalie Thomas as Martha, Elsie Weld as Rose, Gracelynn Grove as Helen, Lydia Thompson as Virginia, and Claire Brown as Rachel. The grounds crew include Gabriel Donahue as James, Shane King as George, Linus Donahue as Frank, and Dorian Loner as Louis.

Orphans in the production include Timmy Canner as Samuel, Bram Evans as Walter, Thelma Evans as Caroline, Everett Lattimer as Cloyd, Garrett Pollock as Albert, Paige Pollock as Alice, and Jax McCartney as Charles. The ensemble of prospective parents, factory workers, and carolers includes Colin Brislawn as Harold, Jake Cooper as Peter, Tara Lee Donahue as Susan, Alex Evans as the Stranger, Ben Lattimer as Robert, Oscar Pollock as Lela and Pearl, Kylee Roles as Verna and Mary, and Dan Weston as William and Cornelious.

“This show is really meaningful and well-written,” commented E. Lattimer. “The characters have a lot of personality.”

“This show is a heartwarming tale that will remind us all of the importance of faith and hope in the midst of harsh circumstances,” remarked K. Donahue.

The creative team for this production includes Jeanne Nagurny (director, costumes, and props), Keith Sutton (lighting design), Rick Brown (sound design), and Don Dietz (set design) with technical assistance by Barb Hughes and original music arrangement by Gabriel Donahue.

“I was honored when The Playhouse Board of Directors selected this script as part of its 2025 Season,” said White. “It’s been a wonderful experience working with the creative team to ensure that every person regardless of age was provided with an opportunity to speak and shine onstage.”

“We don’t usually have the chance to work directly with playwrights as part of our creative process,” added Playhouse Artistic Director Dan Weston. “Collaborating with the author has allowed us to develop this work to accommodate our specific needs, which makes the experience fun for everyone and helps improve the quality of the production for the cast, crew, and our audiences.”

The Playhouse at McConnellstown is also delighted to present its Toast the Show partnership features for "An Orphan's Light," to highlight local culinary and beverage excellence. Three Twelve Kitchen offers a sophisticated Deconstructed Shepard's Pie, featuring lamb lollipops served alongside whipped potatoes, snap peas, carrots, with a gastrique. For a seasonal libation, they provide the Holiday Old Fashioned, a mix of Michters bourbon with cranberry orange simple syrup.

From Juniata Brewing Company, patrons can enjoy the Cozy Cabin Porter, brewed with whole vanilla beans and roasted caramel malts for a rich, smooth taste. This porter boasts a 6.6% ABV and 15 IBUs. Finally, Taste of Home Bakery will present a fine selection of seasonal mini pies, cakes, and scones to complete the holiday experience.

“An Orphan’s Light” opens November 21 and continues its run November 22, 28, and 29 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are November 22, 23, 29, and 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets for “An Orphan’s Light” can be purchased online via our secure LUDUS site: mcconnellstownplayhouse.ludus.com. Reservations can also be made by contacting the Playhouse Box Office at 814.627.0311.