As holiday decorating and sales start kicking up this time of year, so do holiday-themed performances at local theatres. Several of my clients are theatre companies, so there’s always a holiday vibe in my production queue this time of year.
First up is the theatre version of the ever-popular Christmas movie, A Christmas Story. Bristol Riverside Theatre is putting on the production featuring little Ralphie’s quest to get a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle, despite his mother’s warnings that he’ll shoot his eye out.
Bristol Riverside Theatre does a splendid job of recreating the 1940s-themed movie, complete with a sexy leg-shaped lamp, pink bunny pajamas, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a frozen flagpole.
The show has already begun its run, but there’s plenty of time to grab a ticket. A Christmas Story, The Play runs at Bristol Riverside Theatre through December 31st.
McCarter Theatre in Princeton is also gearing up for its annual holiday tradition showcasing A Christmas Carol. You’ll definitely get into the holiday spirit when you enter the theatre, transformed to take you on a journey through Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmases past, present, and future.
This year Joel McKinnon Miller, of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Big Love fame, plays Scrooge. Check out the chops he grew for this role. That is dedication!
The rest of the cast is also ready for their roles in Scrooge’s Christmas Eve adventure.
From set and costume designers to make-up artists and sound technicians, McCarter team never disappoints. I got the chance to spend a lot of time behind-the-scenes filming the folks who make sure A Christmas Carol shines each year. Check out the videos featuring the folks at the prop shop and costume shop to see some of the new details in the show this year.
The show is now open and runs through Christmas Eve. Many families make the pilgrimage each year to McCarter to celebrate the holidays. McCarter also offers numerous accessible performances, from a “relaxed” performance to ASL and Open Caption access, so check their website for all show information. Many thanks to Joe Ronca for filming the dress rehearsal of A Christmas Carol with me.
Happy holidays!
