As a church team prepares to present a Christmas play, they run into all kinds of problems with the production.

Written by Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus, the Rialto Theater and the Harvest Players will present “'Twas the Opening Night Before Christmas” at 7 p.m. Dec. 2-3, 9-10, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 in the Rialto Theater at 209 W. Main St. in Florence.

“It's very family-oriented,” said Director Kathy Herrin. “It's a partnered production with the Rialto Theater and with Harvest Players on a Role Productions. It is a fun little comedy about some people in a church trying to put on a nativity play and there's all these crazy characters. In the end, the true meaning of Christmas comes out.”

The main characters are Jeremy Shingleton as writer; Patrick Mulready as the director; Katie Knellinger as the music director; Haley Henrickson as the producer; Thomas Blair as the pastor; Jane Ann Carver as the church secretary; Julie Griffo as Laverne, a stage mother; Chris Osborne as Laverne's husband Carl; Tarasita Blair as Savage Sue, the animal wrangler; Ray, Linebaugh as Mel, one of the Wisemen; Cory Herman as one of the Wisemen; Kathy Spligerber as one of the Wisemen.

Other characters are Paul Pedtke, Jeff Blough and Denny Sillaman as the shepherds; Matt Aichlmayer as Joseph; Savannah Cobler as Mary. Also acting are Bucky Buckmiller as Bucky; Heather Cobler as Angel; Jamie Pryor, Walter Kosik, Diane DeLaurentis and Jan Renfrow; Peg Blackwell and Victoria Dingler as the sheep.

At the beginning, Katie Knellinger will lead a Christmas carol singalong, followed by Tay Jeffords, of KRLN, reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.” A surprise visitor will then make an appearance, followed by intermission and then the show will begin.

Haley Henrickson is also Herrin's assistant director.

“We want people to come out and just enjoy a family activity, something fun while still supporting the Rialto,” Herrin said.

Even though the Rialto received a grant, it doesn't cover every day operation, she noted.

“The Rialto still needs support,” Herrin added.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. They may be purchased at Big D's Superfoods, City Market, online and at the Box office.

For more information, check the website at historicrialtotheater.org.