Scott Wilson (left) and Doug Austin are featured players in Stratford’s Christmas production “Making Spirits Bright.” Photo courtesy Marsha Kennedy

Idyllwild’s own Stratford Players present a holiday confection — something sweet, something tuneful, something thoughtful, and, of course, something merry, all designed to make spirits bright.

“Our theme this year is making spirits bright and that is what we hope to accomplish with our Christmas performances,” said Stratford Artistic Director Marsha Kennedy. “We like to bring our audiences variety, so this year we are including a Sherlock Holmes short play we call the ‘Case of the Christmas Goose.’ It’s a hoot!”

Also featured are monologues from Dave Barry (“Who named these guys wise men?”), Bill Bryson (“Giving thanks for delaying Christmas”), the Apollo 8 broadcast from space on Christmas Eve, Barry’s “Useless Gifts” and a Robert Burns piece presented by Doug Austin.

There will be songs presented by the company and a mini-concert performed by Ed Hansen.

“We’ve put together what we think is a really entertaining blend of comedy, poignancy, some wonderful singing and, of course, Ed Hansen on the piano,” said Kennedy. “We’ll end the show with Burns’ familiar ‘Auld Lang Syne’ performed with a Scottish dialect, no less.”

The company includes Barbara Rayliss, Julie Pence (also stage manager), Sherry Daubach (also assistant stage manager), Chris Morse, Scott Wilson, Chic Fojtik, Michael Owen, Doug Austin, Dick English and Ed Hansen.

“Making Spirits Bright” is performed at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, at First Church of Christ Scientist. Tickets are $15 and are available online at www.stratfordplayers.com and at the door.