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LARA JO HIGHTOWER NWA Democrat-Gazette Fort Smith's Young Actors Guild will celebrate both the holiday season as well as the group's own alumni at the upcoming fundraiser "A Classically Classical Christmas" on Dec. 22 and 23. "This is our fifth year doing this show," says Missy Gipson, executive director of YAG. "It's ridiculously campy and over the top. This year will feature Elf on the Shelf, Santa Claus, the Wise Men — everything classically classic Christmas. There will be a bunch of music, and we sing and dance. It's a really good show." Gipson says the show this year was written by Hunter Doohan, a former YAG student, now a screenwriter living in Los Angeles. "He's had a lot of recent success," says Gipson. "One of his shows just got picked up by Lifetime! He's doing great in Los Angeles. He's a great writer, especially with comedy." Joining Doohan in this effort are about 20 other alumni from the children's theater arts organization who will perform in the show. "We have a Broadway performer, a television writer, regional actors, librarians, pharmacists, college students — all coming together during a busy time to give back to the Young Actors Guild," says Gipson. Gipson says the event, held at the New Theatre in downtown Fort Smith, is a good opportunity for the general public to see the renovations that have been taking place inside the historic theater. "One of the 'Unexpected' murals is painted inside the theater," says Gipson. "It's a nice glimpse, to be able to get to see that." Gipson recommends that parents limit the show's audience to those children 12 and older. "It's probably more for the older kids, a fun night out for teens and adults," she says. "These people can really sing and dance — it's a really good show. And at the right ticket price — five bucks! There's so much good and fun during the holidays, but it's a nice thing to kind of get away and do something fun for yourself." ARE YOU PROUD OF YOUR LITTLE ATTENTION! Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors... ? ...works to better their community? ...volunteers their time for a good cause? ...thoughtlessly helps those in need? ...is a role model for their peers? If you answered "YES" to any of those questions, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! We are looking for local kids between the ages of 5 to 12 years old who are champions in the community, do good deeds and help those who may not be able to help themselves. Let us know about these outstanding young people in your life and they could be featured in the pages of an upcoming Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette publication. CONTACT: Dave Woods | 479.571.6491 dwoods@nwadg.com Dani Beeman | 479.640.5307 dbeeman@nwadg.com Do you know a kid who... DECEMBER 17-23, 2017 WHAT'S UP! 37 FAQ Young Actors Guild: 'A Classically Classical Christmas' WHEN — 7 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23 WHERE — The New Theatre, 9 N. 10th St., Fort Smith COST — $5 INFO — 522-7015 Christmas With The Stars Young Actors Guild celebrates alumni and the season Photo Credit/Donna Vickery Last year's YAG Alumni Show, "An Inaccurately Fandom Christmas," lampooned popular shows like "Game of Thrones," "The Walking Dead" and "Hunger Games." RIVER VALLEY