Courtesy photo Two of the cast members of the Alpena Civic theatre’s production of “Merry Christmas, Dear Grandpa!” practice for the upcoming play. Left to right are Doug Haines, as grandpa, and Amanda.Hulsey as Amber.

ALPENA — The Alpena Civic Theatre presents “Merry Christmas, Dear Grandpa” starts Thursday and lasts through May 24.

For reservations call 989-354-3624.

The play is written by Michal Jacot and is a Christmas calamity comedy. Grandpa, played by Doug Haines, is picked up by his grandson, Keith (Matt Southwell) at his nursing home and taken to his granddaughter Amber’s house. Amanda Hulsey, is Amber, the middle child, who is a perfectionist. The set is part of Amber’s personality. Her house is spotless, white with grey accents, perfectly decorated for Christmas. Grandpa (Doug Haines) is in his late 80s, crusty, bad tempered, crabby. He walks with a cane, which he doesn’t need, but uses it as a

Weapon. The two sisters, Amber and Frankie (Katie Haines) are opposites.

Frankie, the youngest child is more of a tomboy who joins the oldest adult child, Keith, to antagonize Amber when opportunity arises. Keith has a goofy sense of humor, but not as funny as he thinks he is.

Amber dresses casually, but impeccably, remembering where each item of her wardrobe has been purchased. The actors in this play have chosen their own costumes giving an eclectic and natural mix of tastes found in family gatherings.

Al (Larry Johns) and Marie (Julie Meyers) are the parents of these petulant adult children. Al is easy going. He is happy to let Marie do the thinking for him. Marie has big plans for a vacation. She sets in motion complications for their son Keith and Grandpa which connects to her vacation plans. All the while, Amber wants a perfect Christmas dinner, which as things develop becomes increasingly difficult. She wants everything to be just right. Her siblings,

Keith and Frankie volunteer to cook the dinner, but they are not as perfect as Amber.

Scott Edgar is the director, with Ted Rockwell is assistant director; producer, Carol Rundell; set by Scott Edgar; set construction, Scott Edgar and Ted Rockwell; set painters are Debby Edgar and Larry Johns;

Light design, Jay Kettler; Sound design, Bryan Ghekerie; stage managers, Zach Clement and Dani Ayotte; lighting tech, Jackie Herbert; intermission hostess, Doreen Kriniak and photography, Bronwyn Woolman.