Editor’s note: Due to an illness, the show has been canceled.

As the days grow darker and the temperature drops, Island Stage Left aims to brighten these long nights through the power of theater. Their upcoming production combines live music, stories and poetry to tell a timeless tale perfect for the season.

“The winter holidays come at a perfect time – just when the weather is cold and attention turns inward, we have an opportunity to reflect, remember and reconnect with family and friends,” said Island Stage Left founder Helen Machin-Smith.

Island Stage Left’s “Christmas Memories” runs at 7 p.m. from Dec. 21-23 in the Marie Boe building at the San Juan County Fairgrounds. The show will also present two performances on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Reservations are highly recommended for Christmas Eve. Email stageleft@centurytel.net to save seats.

Island Stage Left offers all its performances free of charge, but donations are always appreciated and essential to the longevity of the company, according to their website.

Island Stage Left has performed “Christmas Memories” several times, starting in 2003. In recent years, they have honored the holiday season by presenting “Omnium Gatherum” in its place. This year marks the first production of “Christmas Memories” since 2015. This year, Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” sets the tone of the 45-minute show. Performers Daniel Mayes and Penelope Haskew bring out a glittering and nostalgic handful of gems from the British Isles, curated by Machin-Smith.

“Despite the commercialism that rears its head these days, people hanker for the kind of closeness and warmth that brings friends and families closer together,” said Machin-Smith.

According to a press release by Island Stage Left, it’s guaranteed to send you home having laughed and possibly even shed a tear for a more poetic time.

“Stories – both funny and sad – are a perfect way to nurture that longing, and Island Stage Left makes it their mission every year to send people out full of joy, wonder and the spirit of Christmas. Theater is all about telling stories, so it’s only natural that Stage Left loves its yuletide role in the community,” said Machin-Smith.

For more info, visit www.islandstageleft.org.