Bag&Baggage Productions, Hillsboro’s resident professional theatre, presents “Parfumerie,” adapted by EP Dowdall from the Hungarian play Illatzzertar by Miklos Laszlo, from Nov. 25 – Dec. 23 at The Venetian Theatre.

Set during Christmastime 1937 in Budapest, Hungary, the play centers around two bickering employees at an upscale boutique, who have been building an anonymous romantic relationship through letters to one another for two years.

“‘Parfumerie’ is a bit of a change for us,” said Founding Artistic Director Scott Palmer. “For the past three years, we have been presenting over-the-top, adult-themed holiday farces but this year our holiday show is sweet, romantic, and filled with holiday heart. Maybe most surprising? It’s appropriate for the whole family.”

Although not a “brand name” holiday standard, “Parfumerie” has been growing in popularity throughout the country as an alternative to the usual list of familiar Christmas titles.

The play interweaves two very different plots; first, the owner of the Parfumerie suspects that his wife may be having an affair with one of his employees while, second, two of the staff of the shop have been bickering and fighting for years, unknowing that they have also been writing love letters to each other the entire time. Both plots come to their conclusion in the Budapest snow on Christmas Eve.

“There is a kind of nostalgia, a hearkening back to a simpler time in life, and in the style of theatre, represented in this show,” said Cassie Greer, B&B Resident Actor and co-director of the production. “It is funny and sweet, but it is also about love and forgiveness; it really is a perfect show for the holiday season.”

The show stars Bag&Baggage Resident Actor Arianne Jacques as Ms. Balash, and Associate Artist Joey Copsey as Mr. Horvath. Other cast members include familiar faces to B&B audiences, including Andrew Beck, David Heath, Eric St. Cyr, Stephanie Leppert, and Patrick Spike. Costumes designed by Resident Designer Melissa Heller, Scenic Designs by Director of Production and Design Megan Wilkerson, and lighting design by Jim Ricks-White.

Performances take place from November 25th through December 23rd, 2016 at The Venetian Theatre in downtown Hillsboro. Tickets can be found online at bagnbaggage.org or by calling the box office at 503-345-9590.

— Information from Bag & Baggage