Lewes library to present reader’s theatre holiday events Dec. 15, 20

The Lewes Public Library’s Shakespeare Festival will present a reader’s theatre production of Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” at 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, at the library.

“A Christmas Memory” is Capote’s mostly autobiographical short story first published in 1965. It takes place in the 1930s and follows a period in the lives of the 7-year-old narrator and an elderly woman who is his distant cousin and best friend. The evocative narrative focuses on country life, friendship and the joy of giving during the Christmas season, and also gently yet poignantly touches on loneliness and loss.

This performance features New York actors Suzanne Savoy and Jack Herholdt, both of whom originally hail from Delaware.

Savoy is familiar to audiences for her recurring television roles on “Better Call Saul,” “House of Cards” and “The Knick.” She also has extensive national live theatre credits and founded the Mercury Studio for Actors in Houston. Savoy created and for 10 years ran the education program for New York City’s acclaimed Shakespeare Project.

Herholdt is active in New York City theatre, having appeared in award-winning productions both on and off Broadway, in regional theatre, and in the television series “Celebrity Ghost Stories.” This holiday program is appropriate for all ages.

Audiences will be treated to a warm, intimate and magical evening of first-rate theatre in front of the library fireplace. Refreshments will be provided. This program is made possible, in part, by a gift to the Lewes Library Shakespeare Festival by Rehoboth Beach resident Maud Banks.

Lewes Public Library’s Shakespeare Festival and Topical Seminars will present Snowflakes, an evening of poetry and stories in the spirit of the season, at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 20.

Snowflakes is a reader’s theatre presentation of poetry and stories from immortal authors and poets including Hans Christian Andersen, O. Henry, Thomas Hardy, Robert Frost, Mark Doty, Sara Teasdale, Shakespeare, Emma Lazarus and, of course, Clement C. Moore, all interspersed with Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Snowflakes” from “Twice Told Tales.” Attendees can enjoy wine, cider and holiday treats by the fireside while the stories and poems stir imagination and memories with the joy of the wintry season.

Both events are free of charge, but seating is limited so registration is required.

To register, visit the Lewes Public Library, call 302-645-2733 or go to www.lewes.lib.de.us.