On Stage: Lake County theaters offer a gift box full of holiday wonder
If there is one weekend to go to a play or show to get into the holiday spirit, this is it with five plays to choose from and tickets still available.
Plays opening this weekend include the Florida premier of “The Christmas Express” by the Tavares Community Theatre and “Miracle of Christmas” by the Living Drama Theatre in Eustis.
Closing this weekend are “A Christmas Carol, A New Musical” by the Bay Street Players in Eustis and “Some Enchanted Evening” with the songs of Rogers and Hammerstein at the Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora.
Continuing this weekend is “A Christmas Carol” at the Melon Patch with a small cast of quick-change actors taking on all the roles in the performance.
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Also on stage is the comedy of Michael Winslow and Jimmie Walker in Clermont and Florida Philharmonia: Home for the Holidays also in Clermont.
“The Christmas Express”
The Tavares Community Theatre opens the Florida premiere of the holiday tale, “The Christmas Express” on Friday for two weekends until Dec. 18 at the Adventure Christian Church, 3701 N. Eichelberger Rd. in Tavares. There is an opening special for Friday and Saturday with $2 off tickets this week only with code word OPEN.
The show is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud comedy full of eccentric small-town characters wise-cracking their way to finding the true wonder of Christmas that will send you home humming holiday tunes and filled with hope.
"This is the most hopeless place in the world!" Hilda, played by Stacy Urban, intones as she and her assistant Satch, played by Cornelius Sander-Bey, argue over the current time. She dreams of faraway places and only finds tedium in running the Holly Railway Station.
That is until Leo Tannenbaum, played by John J. Farley III, drops in out of nowhere the day before Christmas Eve. Suddenly, an old radio that hasn't worked in years springs to life, the local group of carolers, which usually yowl like a gang of wet cats, begins to sound like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the whole town gets the Christmas spirit. Coincidence? Or is Leo doing all this?
The cast is rounded out with Kathleen Encrapera as Penelope Blaisdale the newspaper reporter, Noel Miner as Maggie Clooney the mail person, Bea Mullins as Donna Cummings and Hunter Rice as Jerry Cummings, Alisha Dooley as Myrna Hobsnagle as the city secretary, John Kreutzer, Ella Whitman and Deborah Smith as visitors to Holly. This production is directed by Chasteen Mullins.
Although this show is rated G, small children may not be entertained, it’s not the “Polar Express”.
Tickets at tavarestheater.org or 352-343-9944.
“Miracle of Christmas”
The Living Drama Theatre in Eustis offers “Miracle of Christmas,” a show with six classic holiday stories adapted into a family-friendly Christmas show opening Friday and playing until Dec. 19.
“Please help Henry and his friends try to find the true meaning of Christmas,” said director and playwright Michelle Duarte. “It will require your imagination and child-like faith to discover the answer.”
Details: livingdramatheatre.com
“A Christmas Carol, A New Musical”
Last chance to see the third annual production of “A Christmas Carol, A New Musical” by the Bay Street Players in Eustis which was written by The State Theatre’s resident Artistic Director Carlos Francisco Asse, with music by James Wren and Eddie Gwaltney. The show closes Sunday.
Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey of personal growth with the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Bring your whole family to experience the magical effects, costumes, and scenery that will transport you to 1800s England.
Details: eustisstatetheatre.org.
“Some Enchanted Evening”
On Sunday the Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse closes “Some Enchanted Evening” featuring the songs of Rogers and Hammerstein.
The show is a celebration of the musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein performed by five extraordinary vocalists. This glorious parade of hits includes favorite show tunes from “Oklahoma!,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” “Flower Drum Song,” “Carousel,” “Cinderella,” “The Sound of Music” and more. Enjoy a holiday treat for the entire family.
Performing the songbook of this esteemed songwriting duo is a young cast bursting with talent: John Sublette, Aine’ Graham, Sheradin Jansen, Peter Murray Heid and Haley Sweat. The production is helmed by IceHouse managing artistic director, Darlin Barry, and her top-notch collaborators: choreographer, Kevin Kriegel, co-music directors/dual pianists, Terry Thomas and Alexander LaPlante, scenic designer, Buddy Fales, lighting designer, Philip Lupo and costume designer, Rob O’Brien.
The theater is returning to 100 percent capacity and face masks are requested for everyone regardless of vaccination status while in the building. Performers are rapid-tested every 24-48 hours in order to perform without masks.
Details and tickets at icehousetheatre.com
“A Christmas Carol”
The Melon Patch Theatre in Leesburg presents an adaptation of “A Christmas Carol written by Patrick Barlow uses only five actors to bring some of Dickens’ most beloved characters to life. The play continues until Dec. 19. From Scrooge and Tiny Tim to Bob Cratchit and Mrs. Fezziwig, Barlow's “A Christmas Carol” uses nothing more than simple props, fresh physicality and the power of imagination to convey this timeless story of redemption.
The cast includes Lon Abrams as Scrooge, and taking on multiple roles, Shelly Whittle, Jan Sheldon, Julie Sanchez, Janik Buranosky and Jessica Guiffre. The show is directed by Dustin Lavine.
Details: melonpatchplayers.org
Michael Winslow and Jimmie Walker
Legendary performers Michael Winslow and Jimmie Walker are coming to the Clermont Performing Arts Center Friday for one very entertaining night 8 p.m. Friday.
Best known for his role as J.J. Evans on “Good Times,” Walker’s career spans five decades and includes roles in movies, late night television and game shows. Joining Walker is the man of 10,000 sounds, Michael Winslow. a true master of vocal gymnastics who can recreate the frenzy of Jimi Hendrix playing guitar, wet sneakers, or a Star Wars battle.
Details: clermontperformingarts.com.
Florida Philharmonia: Home for the Holidays
The Florida Philharmonia, an outstanding orchestra made up of 50 professional musicians from around the state and guest musicians of international renown, with conductor Pasquale Valerio performs a holiday program with the voice of soloist Marcella Richardson at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Clermont Performing Arts Center.
Details: clermontperformingarts.com
Coming Attractions
“A Christmas Carol”
The Something New Studio drama club students ages 8 to 16 present “A Christmas Carol” adaption by Jim Quinlan at 6:30 Dec. 17 at the Eustis Community Center, 601 Northshore Dr.
Details: somethingnewstudiofl.com
Christmas Symphony Singers
The Christmas Symphony Singers recreate favorite holiday soundtracks 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Mount Dora Community Building.
Details: mountdoralive.com
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Theaters offer holiday classics in Leesburg, Tavares, Eustis, Mount Dora
