This year’s theater show is titled, “Watch Out! The Truth Exposed,” written by True Light seventh and eighth grade students. The production is about two characters, Georgia and Larry Skelly, who embark on a time-traveling adventure filled with mystery and surprise along with a handful of comedic moments.

Georgia’s character inherits a chest from her late uncle filled with items that a group of friends need to use to uncover a treasure, all while portraying meaningful messages along the way.

“My character finds a watch from her dead uncle, and uses it to travel around to visit people in different places. They find maps and go together, and reveal this treasure,” said Ora Knochenmus, who plays Georgia.

“There’s these two bad guys, and they try to steal the treasure, but then they find that the treasure is good and one of them changes,” added Mauren Brusven, who plays Sheriff Georgie. “We are also using characters from past plays that we have done.”

True Light’s annual dinner theater takes the stories written by students, and blends some together to create an entertaining yet thoughtful production. The students started writing the play back in September at the beginning of the school year, and have been preparing since.

“It started with like nobody (knowing) any lines or anything, and then now, we are at the performance. It’s crazy to see (the transformation),” Brusven said.

“We all wrote little stories, and we voted on which ones we wanted,” added Roman Phlaum, who plays the character of Miles.

The students are also hands-on when it comes to the production lighting and backstage processes as well, to help run a smooth show.

Finn Ruud, who plays Sargent Luca, noted that he’s enjoyed learning about the behind-the-scenes work throughout the process.

“I think they (the audience) will enjoy some of the characters. There’s some really funny characters that are just trying to do what they think is right … They’ll of course expect to come hearing truth. We’re very honest about, not just who we are as True Light Christian School, but the kids themselves want to put (out) a clear message of who Jesus Christ is, and the story of grace, that everyone needs it and everyone is deserving of it, and how do you get it,” True Light language arts teacher and play director Shawna Holt said. “You’re going to hear a lot of Scripture, a lot of truth, and a lot of verses that really just paint that whole gospel picture.”

With a cast of about 17 students, Knochenmus, Brusven, Phlaum and Ruud all agreed that it’s been a unique experience getting to see their writing come to fruition, and said they hope the audience enjoys the characters along with the show’s deeper meaning.

Knochenmus also cited that the work off the stage has been an enjoyable part of the process as well, like getting ready with one another and being together.

The production includes about six different sets, and Holt noted that the students have been excited leading up to the show days. Other True Light staff and faculty have also helped with set designs and preparations.

Prior to the show, people are welcomed to enjoy dinner at True Light both today and Friday. The students help prepare and serve dinner as well.

“The funds (from the dinner theater) supports mission trips that our own seventh and eighth graders go on every other year, as well as alumni. If they previously attended True Light Christian School, they could send us a letter telling us where they’re going, and then we could send them some funds,” Holt said. “We also have a compassion child in Peru through Compassion International … We write letters to (him), pray for consistently, send him Christmas and birthday gifts, stuff like that. This supports that, too.”

Dinner will take place at 6 p.m. with the show to follow at 7:30 p.m. for both today and Friday.

Tickets for both dinner and the play are $25, and tickets for only the show $10.

Those planning to attend dinner are encouraged to call True Light ahead of time to reserve their spot at 507-532-2762. Tickets for the play can also be purchased at the door.