ROLLINSFORD – Got peace on earth, good will toward all? The last days of December often leave us wanting to prolong and deepen the ties that bind. Meant to warm the heart in a cold season, the play Not On This Night illustrates “the humanity of living life open to the possibility of goodness in everyone” (The Portland Phoenix), and its run extends over the holiday weekend.

Set on Christmas Eve 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge, Not On This Night portrays young people choosing hope in a time of darkness. A French farm girl, Jacqueline Brulet, finds herself alone in a besieged country. Peace trumps war when two soldiers, first a German, then an American, attempt to commandeer her home on Christmas Eve. Their encounter with the plucky Jacqueline forever changes their understanding of peace, war, and the joys of the season.

Emily King of York makes her stage debut in the role of Jacqueline for the post-Christmas matinees. The other performances feature Danica Carlson of Dover as Jacqueline, Braden Curtis of Exeter as Reinhold, the German soldier, and Scott Degan of Portsmouth as Eddie, the American.

The play won the NYC 2000 Love Creek Festival, and the 2001 Attic Theatre Ensemble contest, leading to publication and performances in Hollywood and New York. Dream On’s productions under director Peggi McCarthy and designer Cary Wendell of Exeter won it a “best new play” award in 2002.

Dream On’s production of Not On This Night continues at Garrison Players Art Center through Christmas weekend, with performances Sat., December 26 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and on Sun., December 27 at 3:00 p.m. Performances, lasting about one hour, run weekends through December 27 at Garrison Players Art Center, Route 4, Rollinsford (no performance on Christmas).

Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 3:00 p.m., with an extra 3:00 p.m. matinee Sat., December 26, Tickets cost $15.00, $10.00 for those under 18. Call 603-750-4ART or 800-838-3006 for tickets, or visit www.garrisonplayers.org.