Boogaloo Folk Life Theatre playwright in residence Betsy Trakas spends several months researching and writing each of the Union troupe’s two performances of the year.

Director Ralph Lawson is right there by her side.

Now the two of them and the rest of the artistic crew, including producer Jane Wilkes, choreographer Janet Lawson and music director Paul “Buddy” Wilkes, and a veteran Boogaloo cast and crew of more than 60 people are bringing another of her creations to life on a new stage just in time for Christmas.

“Stealing Christmas” is set to go on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22 at the old Sims Junior High School auditorium and promises to be a can’t-miss performance. Curtain times are slated for 3, 5 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 and 5 p.m. Sunday.

This year’s Christmas production intertwines three stories — all based on true events like a good folk life production should be — and is set in 1942.

“Everything is original and Union based,” Trakas said.

And all three stories share a common thread — whether it’s the man dressing up as Santa Claus to gain access to homes to burglarize, a soldier who was engaged to three sisters just not at the same time or the family in need of something unusual that gets it in a rather unusual way.

“All these have to do with the idea that giving is as great a gift for the giver as it is receiving it,” Trakas said, adding there are many ways the Christmas spirit can be stolen away — just as the Santa impostor steals from homes — unless people don’t let it be taken away.

“The core story holds it all together,” Lawson said. “I think the elements that stand out in this production are the more heartwarming moments.”

The stories become a part of Christmas time.

One of which is that of a special ring and centers around the story of a Union resident who was exceptionally dear to several members of the Boogaloo cast and crew. She passed away last year so this show holds a special place in some of their hearts.

“So, in addition to the normal feelings that play in here, there are others that play in,” Lawson said.

Trakas also has a special tie to her Christmas show.

Her son, Derik Vanderford, plays the Santa character and it’s the first play she’s written he’s performed in.

“This one’s sort of special to me,” she said, adding Derik is enjoying the part. “I knew when we did the casting it was a part he’d have fun with.”

The troupe is performing at the old Sims building on the east side of Union for the first time this weekend and while it’s been challenging adapting to a new venue, Lawson said his crack team of cast members and crew have come through.

They have a lot of fun putting on each Boogaloo production and many have been in all of the troupe’s 19 total shows since it was created nearly 10 years ago. Lawson, Trakas and Jane Wilkes agreed it is a diverse group of performers that might not have had the opportunity to meet one another without Boogaloo.

Now, they’ve become a family of their own.

And that adds to each show’s success.

“Stealing Christmas” promises to be no different and the artistic crew behind bringing the play to life say people are guaranteed an entertaining and powerful experience.

“This show has some really important messages,” Lawson said. “There are some really good messages in this show which are especially important at this time of year. Our shows aren’t really children’s shows, per se — this show just appeals to everybody. It’s really good seasonal entertainment for the entire family.”

“You should expect to laugh and maybe cry,” Trakas said. “You should expect to go out humming some of the musical numbers and you should expect to leave with the Christmas spirit.”

Jane Wilkes said audience members who have been to a previous Boogaloo show will see the same quality performance they always have and for those who haven’t it will be a good start to the Christmas season.

“There are some serious things, but you’ll always leave with good feelings,” she said. “This show has a good Christmas message and it’s for everybody.”

Derik Vanderford, Jannie Gist, Sarah Garnett and Paul “Buddy” Wilkes practice a scene from the upcoming Boogaloo Folk Life Theatre production “Stealing Christmas.” The show is set for Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22, at the old Sims Junior High School.

Paul “Buddy” Wilkes’ character talks to himself while Vanderford as the Santa burglar brings out more loot from one of his latest heists in a scene from “Stealing

Christmas.”

George Bruce and Chris Hantzopoulos practice a scene from the Boogaloo Folk Life Theatre’s Christmas production of “Stealing Christmas.”

Sarah Garnett tells Vanderford, playing the Santa burglar, goodbye during practice for “Stealing Christmas” on Monday night.