Last night,  my daughter Jenna and I took advantage of the only opportunity, that would fit our schedule, to see The Forgotten Carols, on opening night, at the Elkader Opera House.  Simply put, I thought it was terrific.

This Opera House Players production is a super heartwarming portrayal  of a young nurse, Constance, whose heart is hardened by a rough childhood.   She is all about getting her work done and burying sensitive issues.  Through song,  her patient, John, an especially old soul, (it seems he has been alive since before the birth of Christ) makes it his business to tenderly unlock Constance’s buried talents.  In an early scene, John, in a friendly gesture, nick names Constance, against her rigid spirit, “Connie Lou,” and from that  moment you just know this is going to be a great story.

Ann Franta, flawlessly, and beautifully plays the role of Constance, while John is endearingly played by Craig Stutt.  The rest of  the small cast is filled out by Opera House veterans, and two well cast and well played newbie’s  Joeann Tesar and Joanne Strutt.

I really enjoyed this show it was not predictable,  the role of the chorus was nothing but uplifting and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.  The  show is as usual, so well directed and produced.  The staging and lighting are excellent, and certainly add to the enjoyment of this great show.

After a rousing standing ovation, everyone seemed to leave the theater smiling and thrilled for a heartwarming memorable performance by the Opera House Players.