New Kensington's Peoples Library to stage play written by city residents, petting zoo

Free events planned Saturday at New Kensington’s Peoples Library include an original Christmas play written by two city residents and an indoor petting zoo.

“We’re glad to have a double bill for the day,” library Director David Hrivnak said.

Members of the Valley High School Drama Club will perform the new, 30-minute, one-act play, “The Eager Elf,” beginning at noon.

The show was written by Barb and Chris Pastrick of New Kensington. Chris Pastrick is a digital content producer for TribLIVE.com.

The play follows six apprentice elves as they try for a place in Santa’s North Pole workshop by wrapping gifts, building toys, singing in the Elf Choir and judging the naughty-nice list. One of the elves struggles to find his place.

The play includes a few Christmas carols.

Drama club sponsor Brian Krugle said they’ve been getting ready for the performance for about a month.

“It’s a real feel-good show. It’s perfectly suited for children to come and see,” Krugle said. “It’s a good, quick way to get into the holiday spirit and see what else downtown New Kensington has to offer.”

The petting zoo will follow the play and run from 1 to 3 p.m., Hrivnak said. It will feature animals such as yaks, a water buffalo, alpacas and maybe a donkey from Living Treasures Wild Animal Park in New Castle.

Kids will be able to pet, feed and take pictures with the animals. The library bought feed for the animals, Hrivnak said.

“We encourage everyone to come — come for the musical and hang out with the petting zoo,” he said. “We hope to see as many members of the community as can make it.”