Church play recalls Rolling Meadows' first Christmas

As Community Church of Rolling Meadows and the city Rolling Meadows itself near the end of the celebration of each of their 60th anniversaries, the church has decided to make the past the theme of this year's dinner theater event ­- "Rolling Meadows' First Christmas."

"We are going to transport you back to Dec. 19, 1955, and witness what our first Christmas together might have been like … via a live radio broadcast from 'The Barn,'" according to a church news release. "Attendees will also be treated to a typical 1955 home-cooked dinner that you won't want to miss."

The play was written by Rev. Rande Smith, pastor of the church, and recalls the time when the church met in a barn, which also served as city hall and the site for meetings of many community groups. Smith said the church launched the dinner theater seven years ago, and it has proved popular, usually drawing about 200 people.

The evening of food, fellowship and entertainment begins with dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, followed by the play at 7:30 p.m., both at the church, 2720 Kirchoff Road. The 128 places available for the dinner have already sold out.

Tickets for the play are $15 and can be bought at the door as long as seating is available (capacity is about 300). To obtain tickets in advance, call (847) 255-5510, visit communitychurchrm.com or email myccrm@aol.com for information.