You know the poem. "Not a creature was stirring..." It's a classic Christmas staple.
But you probably will never have as much fun at a Christmas play than you will have at "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Ken Ludwig and augmented with the clever "Preshow: Can the Toys Save Christmas'" written by Jayne Galletta and Deb Takes, the two of whom also get credit for costuming which was of very high quality and cute as the dickens.
Deb Takes is also credited as producer, and she has given us a first rate production. 
Things are already off track at Emily's (Genevieve Heimark) house because last year Santa seems to have forgotten her. When she leads Calliope the Elf (Genee Foulkes) and Amos the house mouse (Pockets Seachrist) on a rollicking expedition to the North Pole, they and the Toys get a chance to save Christmas.
Director credit for the preshow goes to Pockets Seachrist who gets plenty of the "very well done" kudos.
Director Ray Thompson and Assistant Director Marianne Dell'Aquila share credits for this laugh-filled, fun, marvelous show playing through Dec. 16 at the DCP Theatre in Telford, Pa.
Amos and his brother, Amos of Kansas, (both by Pockets Seachrist) is the mouse (or would it be: are the mice') that gives this lively production superb fast-paced continuity. Seachrist dominates in this substantial role.
Genvieve Heimark portrays Emily as perky, smart, and charming. Teamed with equally charming Elf Calliope (Genee Foulkes) they put on a terrific show.
Bill Algeot demonstrates the epitome of a fine dramatic artist as he takes on both the role of Sir Guy of Gisbourne and Uncle Brierly. As blustery Uncle Brierly, he dominates the household and rules the roost. As evil-doer Sir Guy, he, in turn, puts the sniv in sniveling and promotes Coward to capital letter status.
Algeot is also a believable swashbÂuckler. Credit for coaching this seldom seen stage craft (sword fighting) goes to Fight Choreographer Seth Baliles. 
Santa Claus, Mulch and Sneed are all played by Geary Gorup, a consummate actor with a great singing voice. His Santa Claus is perfect and amiable, and his best scene is as he takes Rudolph and the toys from the North Pole for all points south.
As Mulch, Gorup excels as bumbling sidekick to the evil Sir Guy. As Wendell Sneed he is obnoxious and maybe tipsy.
The toy characters give this production a lot of color and energy that seems to come from the fun of being a toy.
Toy Soldier #2 (Maya Hannum who also plays Nutcracker #2) is delightful as the smarty mouth soldier. She and her constant companion in arms Toy Soldier #1 (Bria McCarthy who also shines at Nutcracker #1) sparkle up the dialog with their irreverent banter.
Kitten (Avianna McCarthy) is one funny feline who manages to be both cheeky and disinterested. Kitten's nemesis, Puppy, (Ella Pinkerton) is delightfully frisky and "annoying."
Raggedy Ann (Francesca Foulkes) and Raggedy Andy (Max Kocher) are extra entertaining as they bring their floppy-armed characters to life around Santa's Workshop.
Robot (Lauren Betz) is stiff and all businesslike, and her foil, Jack-in-the-Box (Kaido Gambier), is ready to Pop! as they get lots of laughs bantering about who "needs batteries."
GI Jane (Gabby Gallagher) is ready for combat and is the take no prisoners type. She is not inclined to laugh it up with the rest of the toys. Her dour persona is thoroughly countered by Ballerina Doll (Eleanna Christinziani) who is every inch a pretty doll with a likable personality.
Reese Mann as Baby Doll is a hit because being the biggest doll of the bunch means that tears and giggles get a lot of attention.
Teddy Bear (Lilly Gallagher) is priceless. She just needs a kid to cuddle with.
Mrs. Claus (versatile Genee Foulkes who also plays starchy Britannia Sneed in the opening scenes) is charming as she frets about Santa before he starts on his annual deliveries.
Special mention for the set design (Colleen Algeo) and the lighting and sound (Mike Addice). Altogether, it is a wonderful set and the lighting and sound is just terrific. Enough praise would be hard to muster in describing the production value of the airplane trip to the North Pole. Fantastic!
The make up that gives this large cast its glow is super. Good job Jess Mann!
The music is special in that the characters break out their traditional Christmas songs in a rap style. And, yes, it is wildly fun to listen to. Credit rap consultant Geoff Yaroschack for getting the cast attuned to this clever treatment of the music.
Stage manager Shelby Winder successfully wrangles a cast of talented kids, young adults, and some older ones, too. It all comes together beautifully.
"'Twas the Night Before Christmas" 2 p. m. Dec. 10; 8 p. m. Dec. 15; 4 p. m. and 8 p. m. Dec. 16; DCP Theatre, 795 Ridge Road, Telford, Pa. 215-234-0966; https://www.dcptheatre.org/buy-tickets