St. Ann’s Church Presents ‘Joy To The World’ Holiday Story Readings December 8-10

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Bridgehampton will host a holiday-themed theatrical fundraiser titled “Joy to the World” with a weekend of performances starting Friday, December 8.

Local actors will read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes tale “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle,” Isaac Bashevis Singer’s “Zlatech the Goat,” letters detailing the true story of the Christmas Truce in the trenches of World War I, O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi” and the New York Sun’s “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.”

Water Mill resident Terrance Fiore, the chairman of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church outreach committee, brought the idea for “Joy to the World” to the East End after seeing a similar performance by the now-defunct Pearl Theater Company in Manhattan three years ago.

“I thought it would be fun to bring it out here,” Mr. Fiore said. “I’m also on the board of the Hampton Theatre Company and it became a toss-up of where we would do this first.”

Last year, Hampton Theatre Company in Quogue put on “Joy to the World” with veterans of its stage reading the holiday stories. This holiday season in Bridgehampton, Mr. Fiore will co-direct “Joy to the World” with East Hampton’s Tristan Vaughan. Mr. Fiore and Mr. Vaughan will be among the readers, along with first-time cast members Bonnie Grice, Devon Leaver, Timothy Lewis, Marshall Watson and Charles Williams.

To conclude the program, the audience will be invited to join performers in singing carols, followed by a wine and cheese reception in the Parish House.

Beneficiaries include Maureen’s Haven, ArchCare at Home, East End Hospice and the St. Ann’s Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support for college to two outstanding graduates of Bridgehampton High School each year.

“I advocated for the scholarship because it’s an investment in the future,” Mr. Fiore said.

Performances will take place at the church on Main Street in Bridgehampton on Friday, December 8, and Saturday, December 9, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 10, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25, or $10 for guests under 21, available at the door.