The Spokane Children’s Theatre’s 68th Christmas show, “The Christmas Toy Shop,” opens Friday.

Jerry B. Uppinghouse, the theater’s facilities manager, is directing the show, which he said is full of traditional Christmas characters like dancing elves and the jolly old fellow.

The play tells a story about how Santa Claus grows tired of being disturbed on the North Pole, so instead he rents a storefront in a big city on Christmas Eve. He plans to get his work done there, yet meets some people – including two orphans – who need his help.

“I’ve never seen this script before,” Uppinghouse said. “It’s different from the traditional Christmas plays, yet it has all the components of Christmas and a unique twist to the ending.”

A cast of 17 children and three adults have been rehearsing the play this fall.

Uppinghouse said that this year’s $6 children’s tickets are half-priced compared to last year.

“We are giving people a 50 percent discount,” Uppinghouse said. “That’s our gift to the community.”