'Twelve Dates of Christmas' coming to LSSU Arts Centre

NEWS RELEASE
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY
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SAULT STE. MARIE, MICH. — Holiday magic and romantic mishap take center stage in Lake Superior State University’s black box theatre Nov 14-18 with the one-woman comedy, The Twelve Dates of Christmas.

The play is written by the newest member of the university’s theater faculty, Ginna Hoben, and has been produced more than 50 times internationally since its New York premiere in 2010.

The story follows a woman, Mary - played by student Chantelle Adkins - as she copes with a holiday breakup and the rigors of romance that takes place in the subsequent calendar year.

The play was inspired by both Hoben’s personal experience and her desire to write a solo female Christmas play – a rare commodity in the dramatic world.

"I was fighting against a traditional happy ever after,” Hoben remarked. “Writing a play that doesn’t end simply with now that she gets the guy, she’ll be okay.”

Hoben is the assistant professor of Theatre in the LSSU School of Arts and Letters. With degrees from each Wright State University and Pennsylvania State University, she has a rich background as a producer and performer as well as writer for both the stage and screen.

The LSSU theatre program is working on a movement this year to create opportunities for young women in the theatre, and The Twelve Dates of Christmas is one three plays to be performed this season created by a female playwright.

“We feel there are incredible female voices out there and we want audiences to hear them,” said Hoben.

Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 14-15, 9 p.m. Nov. 16-17, and 2 p.m. Nov. 18. A mature audience is advised; admission is free, but space is limited to about 50 patrons. Reservations may be made through the Lake Superior State University Arts Center Box Office at 906-635-2602 or via the website.

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