'Well, merry flippin' Christmas' (6 photos added)

For its holiday production, Theatre Algoma presents the Ontario premiere of Last Christmas.

Written by former Saultite Neil Fleming, Last Christmas follows the Gregg family as it struggles with tradition, mortality and itself.

The play opens one year after the passing of the family matriarch, Marge, and daughter Debbie is tasked with upholding the annual holiday traditions forged by her seemingly perfect mother.

Nothing seems good enough for her judgmental sister Paula, as nephew Riley and father Jake throw tradition out the window to find the true spirit of the holiday season.

The discovery of Jake's failing health and revelations about Marge's past push the family dynamic to extremes.

"Despite her unscathed reputation as a conservative, church-going mom, we soon learn that Marge had kept a few secrets and that her devotion to her traditions was mostly motivated by a desire to hide her past and overcome painful memories. In other words, to start over," said Director Loretta Durat.

"The play celebrates traditions and honours those who have made them, but also shows us that we can also move on when we need to. We just need to figure out what is really important in our lives," she added.

Featuring Robert Cooper as Jake, Kara Colynuck as Debbie, Sandra Forsell as Paula, and Jarrett Mills as Riley, Last Christmas opens tonight, Thursday, December 4 at 8 p.m. in Algoma University's Shingwauk Auditorium.

Show dates are December 4 to 6 and December 12 to 14.

Curtain time is 8 p.m. for all performances.

As a special bonus, playwright Neil Fleming will host a meet and greet reception on Saturday, December 6 following the performance.

Tickets, $20 for adults and $10 for students, are available at the Community Box Office in the Station Mall or at the door.

Algoma University parking lot gates will be lifted at 9:30 p.m. and disabled parking meters will not be ticketed.

The Speakeasy will serve refreshments in the lobby of the theatre during each performance.

For more information about this Theatre Algoma production, please click here.

To learn more about Neil Fleming, visit his official website.

More SooToday.com arts and entertainment headlines