Imagine, if you will, a holiday musical that opens in a prison.
You may be asking yourself “did I read that correctly'” Yes, you did. A holiday musical that opens in a prison complete with a big ensemble number with the inmates explaining to the audience their various “misdeeds” and how they need to get out of aforementioned prison.
That is to say that you should not go to see “Once Upon A Christmas” at the Shawnee Playhouse and expect anything “traditional.” From the opening number the show takes off in its own unique and quirky way and never stops veering from what would be considered “traditional” holiday fare until the final notes.
There is comedy, romance, bad guys out to exploit Christmas, and even a chase scene.
The musical is an original story written by Michael DeMaio (who also serves as musical director) and John Matthews. It takes place a few days before Christmas when inmates Harry (Samuel Kashefska) and Matthew (Tamir Cousins-Ali) conspire to escape from prison for a felony they were framed for.
Fate intervenes and the boys manage to escape from prison and are transported to an upscale toy store in New York City where they meet the romantic Stacy (Megan Fry) and materialistic Beth (Abby Witt) and fall in love. The girls believe the boys story and attempt to help them outsmart the sinister Warden Gilmore (Stephen Hellman) and flamboyant Ignatz Angberd (Sebastian Paff).
The songs range from a reggae styled song about Santa to poignant ensemble numbers such as “A Voice In The Distance” to the love ballad “For Your Love.” There are a couple of unusual or oddly placed songs (especially “Silly Putty Man” which is saved by the powerful performance of Mr. Paff).
Virginia Rickard and Midge McClosky play nuns at an orphanage who are in charge of a quintet of orphans (Bobby and Billy McClosky, Isabelle Hilsky, Michaela Raub, and Abriana Ferrari and Amanda Lombardo sharing the fifth role on different days). These talented children are a delight in a song and dance number which literally stops the show. Ms. Rickard and Ms. McClosky have their own fun (albeit oddly placed) number of famous Shakespearean quotes set to music.
There is also an authentic looking Santa played by Marty Courtney who appears throughout the show and is available to pose for photos after the show.
The set consists of pieces rolled on stage to indicate the various locations from a prison to a toystore to an orphanage. The costumes range from standard street clothing to multiple Santa Claus costumes. Director Nicholas Conti keeps the pace moving and his cast and crew pour a lot of energy and heart into the show and it shows in the finished product.
“Once Upon A Christmas” is harmless holiday fun and appropriate for all ages and runs through December 20th. For tickets call 570-421-5093 or visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com.