EASLEY — The Easley Foothills Playhouse’s new Christmas production, “An O Henry Christmas” aims to illustrate the magic of giving onstage, and cast and crew members hope to kindle that spirit in the audience and in the community as well.

The play, directed by Owen Robertson, opens Friday, Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 13.

Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees beginning at 3 p.m.

A special morning matinee will be held 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10.

“An O Henry Christmas” weaves a tale of Christmas magic, set on Christmas Eve, 1893, based around the stories of acclaimed writer O. Henry.

During the show, a mysterious stranger stumbles upon a band of lost souls who live on an abandoned railroad spur on the outskirts of New York City.

While some have been known to sing for their supper, this stranger trades stories for stew — and his audience finds themselves caught up in his tales which include “The Last Leaf” and the Christmas classic “The Gift of the Magi.”

The play’s shantytown setting rings especially true during this economic downturn, and those behind the production want to use the show as an opportunity to give to the less fortunate.

The Easley Foothills Playhouse will be collecting cold weather items such as gloves, hats and scarves from those attending the play. These items will be given to United Christian Ministries to help them keep their clients warm during the winter months.

Like most charitable organizations, United Christian Ministries has seen an increase in the number of local residents seeking assistance this year, so every donation is important.

For more information on how to help UCM, call 855-0853.

When you have a roof over your head, it’s hard to imagine what those who don’t go through just trying to survive — but the play’s cast will learn just that Friday night.

After opening night, the cast, as well as area youth, will build a cardboard shantytown in order to highlight the plight of the homeless. The cast will spend the evening in their cold shelters in the West End Hall parking lot in order to better understand what homeless men, women, and children go through during the holiday season.

“An O Henry Christmas” tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 60 and over and $5 for children under 18 and students with ID.

To reserve tickets, call 855-1817.

The Easley Foothills Playhouse is located in West End Hall, at 201 S. 5th Street.