S. Claws, portrayed by Bobby Craft The one and only “S. Claus” flies back onto Workshop Theatre’s stage December 10–13 in ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, S. Claws? – but this time he faces a challenge!

Before the jolly old elf can arrive, Jack O. Lantern – the mischievous resident of a certain October holiday – slithers onto the scene, determined to prove that it’s the scarier aspects of Christmas that truly give the season its magic.

As Jack presents evidence from such tales as How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Christmas Carol , S. Claus and his band of young helpers fight back with a musical assortment of seasonal favorites that will put everyone in the holiday mood.

In addition to Columbia theatre veterans Bobby Craft (returning as S. Claus) and B. Scott Vaughan (a Jack O. Lantern), ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, S. Claws? features a company of 27 youth and adults performing such tunes as “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” “Where Are You Christmas?” and many more.

Musical director Lou Warth is adding the gift of song to the festivities; set designer Randy Strange is “hauling out the holly,” and lighting designer Barry Sparks will bring that special Christmas glow to the Workshop stage!

The production is sponsored by Ken and Cheryl Wheat.

Performances are 8 pm December 10–12, with an additional 3 pm performance on December 12 and a 3 pm matinee on December 13. All tickets are $12.

Tickets go on sale at noon on December 2. Reservations are available by calling the box office at (803) 799-6551 or visiting www.workshoptheatre.com.

Workshop Theatre is located at 1136 Bull Street, on the southeast corner of Bull and Gervais Streets in downtown Columbia.