Assisting others is an important way to utilize the talents we have been given. That message is never more meaningful than it is during this season of the year.

It's that same message that makes "White Christmas" a beloved and inspirational holiday production.

"It's a really popular show, especially at this time of the year," said Jamie Hilton, the director of Cavod's upcoming production of "White Christmas." "I want people to come away with a sense of generosity. That's what Christmas means to me and this community. It's a time to share your gifts and talents."

Cavod Performing Arts will present its interpretation of Irving Berlin's classic Christmas musical "White Christmas" eight times over six days in early December at the 200-seat Cavod Theatre, 641 W. Main St., New Holland. The shows are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at https://cavod.org/events/white-christmas and at the door if the performances are not sold out.

"The audience can expect everything they love about 'White Christmas' the movie," said Hilton. "They'll find great singers, iconic moments from the movie, fantastic dancing and upbeat numbers that get in your head for the holiday season."

Cavod's two-hour production of "White Christmas" is broken down into two acts, which are separated by a 15-minute intermission. The lobby and auditorium will open 45 minutes prior to each showtime.

The story is set at an inn in Vermont, and the musical's plot revolves around veterans and successful entertainers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis; two beautiful singing sisters; and the group's mission to help the inn's owner, a former army commander. The show's score features a number of memorable songs and dance routines.

" 'White Christmas' is just really a beautiful, warm nostalgic Christmas show," said Hilton, a resident of Strasburg who's directing her third Cavod production. "We want to tell that story and give people that warm, fuzzy feeling they're looking for."

"Our biggest challenge (has been), 'How do we make it snow?'" continued Hilton. "My favorite thing about working at Cavod is that it's intimate and small. But when you think of a show as grandiose as 'White Christmas,' it's really a wonderful challenge given the size of the cast."

There are about 55 individuals involved with the production of "White Christmas." The cast of 35 actors and actresses includes adults, teenagers and youths of varying experience levels from all across Lancaster County.

"There are a lot of familiar Cavod faces, and there are some newbies we've never worked with before," said Hilton. "They are a delightful group of Lancaster people. They love Jesus. They love Cavod. They love the arts. They work really hard. Some have a day job and come in on weekends. They're just so much fun. We're just having a really good time."

"I think what they get out of this is a sense of community," Hilton added. "We've been building this sense of community, and when we get to the performances, it gets shared with the audience."

The production team for "White Christmas" was built in September, the same month that the initial auditions were conducted. Since rehearsals began in October, the cast and crew have been working on the musical for four hours on Fridays, six hours on Saturdays and three hours on Sundays.

"For shows like this, people give up their whole weekends to be a part of it," said Hilton. "It is a huge commitment. We really love what we do. The best part of the performing arts to me is the community, the collaboration. Every day we're telling stories. This is just a different way to tell a story. I love the shared memories. The community part is why we do this."

"Cavod is a nonprofit theater," added Hilton. "I think the money goes right back into more productions and into the community."

Among Cavod's upcoming shows are "Titanic, The Musical," from Feb. 27 to March 8, and "Anastasia, The Musical, Youth Edition," from April 10 to 12.