Is there such a thing as a familar dramatic role for a nine-year-old? In this case, yes, and the actor is a Bluffton elementary student.

Bluffton fourth grader Courtney McLaughlin plays the role of the main child in this weekend's 17th annual Holiday Spectacular performed at The Freed Center at Ohio Northern University.

This is the second year, in fact, that she has played this role. In last year's performance she became the first child in the performance to have her own solo.

Nine-year-old Courtney is the daughter of Jim and Lisa McLaughlin, 728 S. Main St., Bluffton.

The Freed Center's Nov. 18-19-20 shows are already sold out.

There also will be performances at the Civic and Convention Center in Lima, on Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m.

Featuring popular Christmas songs, the production centers on the misadventures of Mrs. Claus and Pixel the elf as they try to help Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

This year, the cast consists of 28 students. The role of Santa Claus will be played by Alex McGregor, a senior communication arts major from Nashua, Iowa.

Mrs. Claus will be played by Sarah Loman, a junior communication arts major from Dallas, Texas. Pixel will be played by Hayley Reynolds, a sophomore communication arts major from Sylvania. The dance corps will be led by Mark Blowers, a senior music education major from Toledo, and Molly Wascher, a third-year pharmacy major from West Bloomfield, Mich.

All tickets for the Lima performances are for general-admission seating and are available for $5. Tickets for the Lima performances are on sale at all Kewpee locations and at the Freed Center.

The Freed Center box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Phone orders are accepted with American Express, MasterCard, VISA or Discover by calling 419-772-1900. Tickets also are available online at www.freedcenter.com

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