Platteville Community Theatre will perform its first production since 2011, “The Unexpected Gift,” at the Platteville Municipal Auditorium in the Municipal Building Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

“The Unexpected Gift” was written by local playwright Mike Willis. Shawn Steinhoff returns to the Upper Peninsula as Grandpa Jack after performing with the Lancaster Community Players in Jeff Daniels’ “Escanaba in da Moonlight” earlier this year.  

Shaena and Dylan Prestegard bring their talent to the stage as Jack’s grandchildren. Kori Hemming rounds out the cast as Jack’s daughter Kate. Jack, a reclusive widower, discovers an unexpected gift in this heartwarming holiday story the entire family will enjoy. 

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and children and are available at the door the night of the performances or at Driftless Market in Platteville prior to the performance dates. “The Unexpected Gift” is produced through special arrangement with Great Stage Publishing, 11702B Grant Road No. 602, Cypress, TX 77429.

Since Platteville Community Theatre’s last production in 2011, members of the group have been working to improve the space, and support and encourage the usage of the auditorium in the Platteville Municipal Building. The group of enthusiasts continues to work to improve this public venue for drama, music, dance, and live events in the area. They have been able to replace the outdated and uncomfortable seating, refresh the space with paint, replace the stage floor, and install the infrastructure for improved lighting and sound.  

For more information about these efforts visit www.plattevillemunicipalauditorium.org.