Kate Brandt is making her SPQR Stage Co. debut as Ethel in “Magic Flowers.”

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- “Magic Flowers,” an award-winning play that has been produced nationwide and, more recently, become a local annual holiday classic, returns to Studio;Space in Somers Point for performances on Saturdays and Sundays December 9-10 and December 16-17. Short and sweet, “Magic Flowers” is a 30-minute one-act by award-winning playwright Bill Sterritt. This fairy tale quickly became an annual tradition for audiences in both Atlantic and Cape May counties.

The plot is simple, yet sweet. Two ad agency co-workers, Ralph and Ethel, seemingly have nothing in common except work. When Christmas Eve arrives, Ethel buys the cheapest bottle of Burgundy she can find and resolves herself to spend yet another Christmas home alone. On the way to her apartment, she runs into a homeless man who sells her “magic flowers” that are supposed to bring her love.

“’Magic Flowers’ has nothing to do with magic in the traditional or popular sense,” said Sterritt. “The magic lies within each character, as they learn to put down their walls and look beyond common stereotypes.”

Dave Polgar returns as Ralph in “Magic Flowers”. Photo by Katelin Keane

Portraying Ralph and Ethel are Dave Polgar and Kate Brandt. Polgar has become a regular on the SPQR stage, having performed in “Derby Day” and “Calliope Rose” in addition to his return as Ralph.

“This show has become a unique holiday tradition for Somers Point,” said Sterritt. “I like to think of it as a nice theatrical ‘snack’ during the holiday season. It’s a great way to break up a hectic day. You get to sit back and enjoy a charming story for a half hour before heading out to the mall again.”

“Magic Flowers” runs at 3:00pm on the following dates: Saturdays, December 9, 16; Sundays, December 10, 17. Tickets are $10 at the door (cash) or can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. More info can be found at StudioSpaceSPNJ.com or Facebook.com/spqrstagesco. For reservations, email spqrstageco@aol.com or call 323-793-2153. Studio;Space is at 112 Woodland Ave. in Somers Point, New Jersey.

Since 2004, SPQR Stage Company has been testing and redefining the limits of Theatre, in theme, form, and purpose. SPQR Stage Company’s productions have exhibited ingenuity, in language, concept and staging. Though performing in a 40-seat house in Hollywood, SPQR has strived to think big and outside of the box. SPQR has always preferred to be ambitious and in front of the curve in all of its undertakings.