Light-hearted
holiday mash-up delivers a whirlwind of fun
What do you get when you whirl together Rudolph, Tiny Tim, Cindy
Lou Who, Frosty, fruitcake, Santa, Scrooge, big-city Christmas parades and
holiday folklore from around the globe? A hilarious, joyful mash-up that has
theater audiences from coast to coast lining up for more.
Find out what the raves are about when Sierra Rep serves up Every Christmas Story Ever Told…and Then
Some, playing at Sierra Repertory Theatre’s East Sonora stage November 16
through December 16.
The fun begins when a small acting troupe is about to perform
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” for the umpteenth time, but instead the
three actors decide to take a detour. With the audience’s help, they round up
an exhaustive selection of “Beloved Holiday Traditions” and proceed to pack
them all into the next 90 minutes. No myth, carol or seasonal icon goes
unskewered, and the result is what The Los Angeles Times called “brashly
enjoyable,” “a knee-slapping hoot” and “high-spirited fun.”
The show has become a tradition of its own at theaters around
the country, where regional companies have brought it back four and five years
in a row by audience demand. The Orlando Weekly said the comedy “accomplishes
the small miracle of making all Christmas myths seem both utterly ridiculous
and absolutely essential. Yes, Virginia, you can have your fruitcake and eat it
too.”
Guest director Marc Liby, long-time artistic director of the
Great Plains Theatre in Kansas, is crafting Sierra Rep’s production. His trio
of performers includes SRT Company Actor Ty Smith and New York performers J.D.
Kellman and Tommy J. Dose, both new to SRT.
“These three are going to get a work out!” Liby said. “The show
is structured really well and the second act especially is very fun.”
It’s a fast-paced blend of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “A Christmas
Carol” and a crazy mix of Christmas music.
“It’s just zany fun,” Liby said. “Everyone is going to have a
great time.”
Liby connected with Sierra Rep through a mutual colleague and
discovered his theater in Abilene, Kansas matches up closely with Sierra Rep in
many ways.
“In talking with SRT, this seemed like a really good fit,” he
said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Guest costumer Megan A. Moore is coming from New York to create
the mish mash of costumes, and scenic design is by guest artist Jordan Egbertson.
SRT’s resident artists fill out the production team, with props by Mercy
Sharpe, lights by Christopher Van Tuyl and stage management by Lia Metz.
SRT’s production of Every
Christmas Story Ever Told…and Then Some is presented with the help of season
sponsor Clarke Broadcasting and the support of Goodhue Properties.
Every
Christmas Story Ever Told… opens
Friday, November 16 and plays through Sunday, December 16 at SRT’s East Sonora
stage. Thursday and Friday performances begin at 7, Saturday evening
performances are at 8 and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2.
Ticket prices range from $24 to $30 depending on the day of the performance. A
special talk back discussion with the cast will be held immediately after the
Thursday, December 6 performance.
This show is rated PG for audiences ages 12 and up. For more
information on content, show dates or to make reservations, call Sierra Rep’s
box office at (209) 532-3120 or visit Sierra Rep at www.sierrarep.org.
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