Tickets are now on sale for the annual Renaissance Christmas Pageant and Feast. Courtesy photo.

MIDDLETOWN – Tickets for the 15th Annual 2008 Renaissance Christmas Pageant and Feast in December are now on sale.

Performances will begin on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 3 p.m., with a special “Family Night” free show for children and elders.

A low-cost ($15) sneak preview with “tasty morsels” will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.

Regular full-feast shows will beheld Friday and Saturday evenings, Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m., and Sunday afternoons, Dec. 7 and 14 at 3 p.m. Performances include a three-course sit-down dinner around which a lively costume drama unfolds.

This year's story is based on the historic conflict between Queen Elizabeth and her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. When Mary heads home from France, and shipwrecks on English soil, Elizabeth thinks she is after the crown of England! Treachery abounds, but all's well that ends well!

Gorgeous costumes and sets and delicious food make this a sparkling holiday entertainment, with over 16 traditional and Renaissance Christmas songs, dances, games and entertainments. The audience is part of this theater-in-the-round experience, and costumes are encouraged (but not required).

The setting is the lavishly-decorated stone and stained-glass sanctuary of Middletown's historic Pioneer Church, which was dedicated in 1893. The event is produced by the Middletown Community United Methodist Church, but actors, singers and volunteers of all ages and faiths come from throughout the

community, and from other churches, to participate in this production, which has become a local tradition.

Tickets are pre-sale only and are $45 each; $5 off if bought before Nov. 1, so be sure to get yours early and save! Call Shari at 987-2653 beginning Oct. 1 to reserve your ticket or for local sales sites in

Middletown, Lakeport and Clearlake.

“Greystone Castle” is located at 15388 Armstrong Street between Armstrong and Washington streets in Middletown, one block east of Highway 29.

Pastor Wanda Celli can be reached at the church office at 987-3379.

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