As a board, we sit down and start talking about next season
and what we wish to present to our audience for the first time usually in
July. So when we sat down in July of
2013 and began discussing what we were going to put on the season in 2014, A Christmas Story: The Musical was immediately
on the short list…
…though it almost didn’t make the final cut.
Some thought the story was overdone, as the straight play
has been produced numerous times in the area.
Some were concerned that the rights wouldn’t become
available in time leaving us scrambling for a replacement during the
holidays.
As a whole though…the board, along with the selection committee, thought the story was well
known, the music was great, and when the rights became available…we pulled the
trigger on this NEPA PREMIER.
Luckily…we DIDN’T shoot our eye out.
Response to this musical has been absolutely
overwhelming!!! We officially open
tonight, and we are already SOLD OUT for all 11 performances!!!
I am so proud that so many people are going to have the
opportunity to see all of these wonderful performers bring this touching story
to life. The kids have done such a wonderful
job, particularly Landon Wolk and Zachary Schultz in the roles of Ralphie and
Randy. Both of these young actors are
amazing talents and have a bright future in the thespianic arts.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the
production crew as well.
Debbie Zehner has done a miraculous job of…to utilize her
own words…”make the chaos seem controlled”.
The amount of energy she has harnessed from her performers brings
magnificent light to the stage.
Michael Gallagher has once again astounded us with a set
that beautifully and seamlessly transforms from interior to exterior and back
again without stopping the action on stage.
Musically, Kim Crofchick (who pulls double duty as Ralphie’s
mother and Musical Director) has done an amazing job bringing this beautiful
and touching score to life.
And as Choreographer (and also pulling double duty as the
teacher Ms. Shields), Cindy Brandreth has done an incredible job! The dance sequence with the kiddos in the
classroom is one of the show’s many highlights!
I would be completely
remiss if I neglected to thank Jimmy Williams and Ericka Law for their
outstanding recreation of the infamous LEG LAMP!! It was absolutely beautiful!!
Thank you all for your hard work!!
And a gigantic thank you also to ALL of the performers. Your diligence and dedication shines and is
immensely appreciated.
Speaking personally, you make me very proud to be a part of
this organization!!
I had the opportunity to see the show in its entirety for
the first time last night. It was the
first in our series of free performances for individuals with special
needs.
I was so happy to foster this brain child along with Michael
Gallagher, and to have the support of the rest of the board in doing so. It was so heart-warming to be able to give
back to the community in this way. We
had approximately 40 people and their caretakers attend last night, and they
all loved the show.
If you happen to know someone with special needs who would
like to attend our next free performance, please contact our box office at
(570) 283-2195.
Our next performance of this nature will be…
“Fiddler on the Roof” January 29th, 2015 @
7:30PM
Which brings me to my next point!!
AUDITIONS for our next mainstage show “Fiddler on the Roof”
directed by Dana Feigenblatt will take place Monday and Tuesday of next week at
7PM. Please see details on our website (www.musicbox.org) and our Facebook pages (Music Box Dinner Playhouse - Official Site
or The Music Box Players).
Until next time…
See you at the theater…save me a seat.
I might have to sit in your lap…I
understand they’re all sold out!!!
SCW
