BUCKLAND — Mohawk Trail Regional School’s Performing Arts Department Director Eva Husson-Stockhamer advises attendees of the school’s fall theater production that “a great story will unfold before your eyes.”

The Performing Arts Department will present performances of “Gracie’s Place” on Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.

Written by Husson-Stockhamer, “Gracie’s Place” follows the story of two families in two different time periods, but at the same location.

The play starts in the 1940s in a split storefront, and follows the life of a family with a radio station in one half of the building and a children’s bookstore in the other. One sister in the family is a children’s book author who writes a series of books called “Gracie’s Place.”

The play then switches to present day and the storefront becomes a cafe. The rest of the play is spent reenacting the fictional books the sister wrote.

“There are themes of family, community, friendship, charity and believing in yourself,” the director said.

There are 18 Mohawk Trail Regional School students involved in the cast and crew this year, many of whom have worked with Husson-Stockhamer since the post-pandemic rebirth of the school’s theater program.

“The crew had great challenges and they have risen to the occasion,” Husson-Stockhamer said. The crew built the 1940s-era storefront that then transforms into a completely new set halfway through the performance.

“These young people start in September. They are dedicated to this,” Husson-Stockhamer said, recounting the work that went into the production. “I want to bring family-oriented opportunities to the community.”

Husson-Stockhamer described the play as “very family-friendly.” Tickets, which cost $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, can be reserved by emailing stagemanager@mtrsd.org. They can also be purchased at the door.

Following the play’s theme, the Performing Arts Department will host a children’s book drive during the shows. Audience members are invited to bring children’s books to donate to the Mary Lyon Foundation. The foundation will then distribute the books to local families in need.

Reach Bella Levavi at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.