Bainbridge Performing Arts is featuring a holiday triple billing of three unique performances guaranteed to give even the most Scrooge-like member of the family a severe case of Christmas spirit.
“We have lots of fun stuff going on for Christmas,” said Shannon Dowling, operations manager at BPA.
Each of the shows – “Santaland Diaries,” “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” and “Another Letter to Father Christmas” – are specifically designed to appeal to a different age range, ensuring that there’s a show suitable for every member of the audience.
“Another Letter to Father Christmas” (all ages)
In this show, the most child-friendly of the three, kids from all over the world write letters to Father Christmas asking him to retrieve and restore their favorite lost items as Christmas gifts.
Father Christmas, too ill with a cold to make the journey to the Land of Lost Things and request the items from the evil Gatekeeper, sends his silly and slightly inept elves in his place. Their magical journey promises to be a fun-filled holiday adventure that kids will love.
“Father Christmas is very family-oriented,” Dowling said. “It’s a short play, and there’s a holiday singalong at the end.”
Written and directed by Barbara Deering, with musical direction by Lynda Sue Welch, the show features a great cast including Paul Bryan as Father Christmas.
Performances are 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, 15 and 22.
“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” (family friendly)
This show is suitable for all ages, but designed more for older children and parents.
“Our Saturday offering is for families with older kids,” Dowling said. “There’s down time and lots of speaking, because it’s a radio play.”
This innovating show brings new meaning and sound effects to the classic tale of good will and cheer. This production, inspired by the classic film, emulates the original 1947 radio audience experience.
Adapted and directed by Frank Buxton, the show is performed as a live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience complete with sound effects and a special Act II appearance by the EDGE Improv group.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, 14 and 21.
“Santaland Diaries” (adults only)
The holiday Friday offering from BPA features two different acts of adult-themed Christmas humor.
Act I is Saul Tennenbaum’s “Claus For Celebration.” Join Saul, the lovely Jingle Belles and special guest Miss Mona von Horne, the Belle of Berlin, as they delight and excite with songs, jokes and cheer.
Act II is “The Santaland Diaries,” based on the outlandish chronicles of America’s pre-eminent humor writer David Sedaris’ accounts of his personal experiences as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. Comic encounters and crazy shenanigans ensue throughout the height of the holiday rush.
This perfect date night at the theatre includes custom holiday cocktails.
Performances will run at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 13 and 20.
Tickets for all three shows are on sale now. The cost is $27 for adults, $22 for seniors and $19 for students, military and teachers.
