BROOKINGS – Bing Crosby wrote “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” during the height of World War II, about soldiers wanting to be home with their loved ones during Christmas. 

Brookings Community Theatre tried to bring that emotion to the stage and its patrons earlier this month with a show benefitting those in need.

Brookings Community Theatre with sponsor Twin City Fan and Blower Company held two showings of “A World War II Radio Christmas” to get people in the Christmas spirit. 

Through a free-will donation, a portion of proceeds from tickets, and sales of a Christmas album featuring local talent, Brookings Community Theatre donated more than $581 to the Brookings County Food Pantry.

“‘World War II Radio Christmas’ brought actual letters and stories from soldiers during the 1940s to the patrons,” said Jason Soren, president of the BCT board of directors. “Our annual radio shows are about bringing some seasonal cheer, but this year we thought it would be a great reminder that we all enjoy being with our loved ones during the holidays, but some people don’t always get to or struggle during this time of year. I think we all need to be reminded of that during this time of year and glad that we can give back to the Brookings County Food Pantry.”

The show brought stories and letters from World War II to life as a 1940s live radio broadcast. Soren, of Brookings, directed an ensemble consisting of Jeff Davis, Janell Davis, Morgan Sederburg, Florencio Urias Aranda III and Robert Escamilla, all of Brookings. The cast brought a few dozen characters and letters to the stage, with stories that many Americans heard over the radio during WWII.

Not only did Brookings Community Theatre do its annual radio show, but it also produced a Christmas album with Brookings talent lending their voices. They sang Christmas favorites such as “Silent Night,” “Winter Wonderland,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” and many more. The CD debuted in mid-December at $10, with half the proceeds going to the food pantry. Albums are still available at the theater’s website.

“It has been three years in the making, but we got local singers together to sing everyone’s favorite Christmas songs on one album,” said Mike Thompson, BCT vice president and producer of A Very BCT Christmas CD. “We knew this would be a great addition to Christmas, and with half the proceeds going to help the food pantry, it was going to be a win-win for everyone.”

“Just so thankful for all the patrons who came out and gave so generously to help out a group in our community and for Twin City Fan and Blower Company for helping us by sponsoring ‘A World War II Christmas Radio Show.’ We are just overjoyed with the response we got from the show,” Soren said.

To learn more about Brookings Community Theatre or its upcoming schedule, visit http://brookingscommunitytheatre.org.

Courtesy photo: Below, the cast of BCT’s “A World War II Radio Christmas” is shown with World War II Army veteran Roger Moore of Brookings, center. The show was an early Christmas gift from his daughter, and Moore was excited to share stories and his appreciation with the cast after Sunday’s performance. Pictured, from left, are Jason Soren, Jeff Davis, Janell Davis, Roger Moore, Morgan Sederburg, Florencio Aranda III and Robert Escamilla.