more on CHERYL DENSON

Essentially, “Sanders Family Christmas” is about the Sanders family: parents, three children and an uncle. It’s Christmas 1941, and the family learns that the eldest son, Dennis [played by Cayman Mitchell], will ship off to war. Beforehand, the family spends Christmas witnessing and performing at their church, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. The play is a sequel to the popular “Smoke on the Mountain”, part of a Sanders Family trilogy. It includes dozens of Christmas carols and bluegrass music, and each family member testifies, I guess you could say, using funny Christmastime stories. The cast is incredibly talented, with so many different types of talent, and they all play musical instruments: This one plays guitar. That one plays banjo. A sister refuses to sing, and only plays percussion! Sonny Franks plays the father, Burl Sanders. Willie Welch plays Uncle Stanley both of these guys are well-known actors, singers and musicians. Pam Pendleton plays the mom, Vera, whom she has played in all three Sanders plays in theaters around the country. It’s the same cast as last year, but people change in a year. They have done new things, and they will bring new experiences to this production. That will keep it fresh and new, even for those who saw it last year.

I HEARTHESHOWWAS QUITEPOPULAR LAST HOLIDAYSEASON. WHATMAKESIT SOSPECIAL?

It was so popular last year, I think, because everyone at the holidays is looking for a special Christmas experience. It celebrates family and faith and how families accept each other, warts and all. And you do see some warts with this family. It’s also special because of the intimate setting at the Bath House. It’s not like a big concert. People want a warm experience that offers a little nostalgia, too. We want to remember those Christmases from long ago — this offers a nice afternoon oasis from wrapping presents or being at the mall.

WHATDO YOU HAVEPLANNEDAFTER THE HOLIDAYS?

I am directing a play at Dallas Children’s Theater, then a production of “Oliver” and an upcoming production of “Victor/Victoria” at the Dallas Theater Center.

“SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS” runs Dec. 1-18 at the Bath Ho Cultural Center, 512 E. Lawther. All performances are at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For more information about One Thirty Productions, call 214.532.1709.