Fairmont State University Town and Gown Players and the Academy for the Arts present Jolly Holiday, A Broadway Christmas Revue, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, opening December 8, 2022, and running through December 11. With two school-day performances on December 13 and 14 in the Wallman Hall Theatre on the campus of Fairmont State. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30 pm, and a Sunday matinee starts at 2:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at fairmontstate.edu/boxoffice.
The Fairmont State Town and Gown Players' production of the holiday classic, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, written by Barbara Robinson, tells the story of the bullying, cigar-smoking Herdman kids. The Herdmans volunteer to star in their town's Sunday school Christmas pageant and collide with the Christmas story head-on; the result will either be the most disastrous Christmas Pageant ever or the best!
Troy Snyder serves as the Director of the production and Franky Satterfield as Assistant Director. In addition to directing, Snyder also serves as the set and lighting designer. “This story reminds us that we all just want to be accepted for who we are, and that sometimes the ‘bad kids’ aren’t really so bad after all,” said Snyder. “There’s a little “Herdman” in all of us, and our play gives audiences a very different take on the Christmas Story. The best thing about this time of year, and this play, is that we can all find something that is meaningful and special to us. I may be biased, but I think that the “best Christmas Pageant EVER” is happening this week in WallmanHall Theatre!”
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever cast features: Scott Moore (Bob Bradley), Devon Neptune (Grace Bradley), Savannah Farcin (Beth Bradley), Gavin Zicafoose (Charlie Bradley), Ella Hatten (Alice Wendleken), Miki Demary-Andrew (Mrs. Armstrong), Rosemary Velazquez (Mrs. Slocum), Ashley Bainbridge (Mrs. Clark), Hayley Harvey (Mrs. McCarthy), Shaila King (Mrs. Clausing), Eva Moore (Maxine), Parker Bombard (Elmer Hopkins), Rocco Kopischke (Hobie), Landon Yost (David). The Herdmans are played by: Tyler Hayhurst (Ralph), Joanna Dugan (Imogene), Jack Santee (Leroy), Reilyn Bainbridge (Claudine), Finn Santee (Ollie), Mia Kopischke (Gladys). The ensemble features Winnie Stanley, Marcella Findo, Hallie Moore, Aubryn Bainbridge, Lennox Conrad, and Natalie Broadwater.
The Academy for the Arts presents the delightful and entertaining Christmas musical revue Jolly Holiday, A Broadway Christmas Revue. Jolly Holiday features musical theatre performances from some of the most popular Broadway Christmas productions. They are performed by members of the Academy for The Arts and Academy Youth Theatre Company. Jolly Holiday is directed by Elizabeth Wotring-Nelson and Assistant Director and Choreographer Desiree Sowards. Leigh Anne Riley produces both productions.
“I’m grateful to be a part of this musical Christmas card for our community,” said Director Elizabeth Wortring-Nelson. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the Christmas season than with joyful singing. We wish everyone a white christmas full of peace, wonder, and all the love this season has to offer. Merry Christmas!”
"Sometimes, at Christmas, we just need pure, simple joy," said co-director Desiree Sowards. "There's the pressure of the ticking clock. There's the weight of holiday memories, sometimes heavy. Song and dance release us from all of it for a bit. It provides a common ground to meet, laugh, cry a couple of sweet tears, and clap for something created. That's what this cast of all ages hopes to offer to an audience of "kids from 1 to 92."
The Jolly Holiday Cast features Savannah Farcin, Ashley Bainbridge, Reilyn Bainbridge, AslynnSowards, Lila Sowards, Lilly Smart, Rocco Kopischke, Mia Kopischke, George Fridley, Hallie Moore, Scott Moore, Eva Moore, Miki Demary-Andrew, Gavin Zicafoose, Finn Santee, Ashley Morgan Fink, Jack Santec, Morgan Carter, Parker Bombard, Rosemary Velazquez, Haley Harvey, Halle Cercone, Shaila King, Matthew O'neill, Summerlee Hewitt, Joanna Dugan, Lennox Conrad, Journey Maher, Johnathan Demary, Leah King, Iris Nelson
"We are delighted to bring both of these holiday shows to the Wallman Hall Theatre," said Leigh Anne Riley, the producer of both shows and Director of Performing Arts Outreach & Development at Fairmont State. “Community Arts has flourished this season at Fairmont State. It has been truly fantastic to be a part of so many great performances. It is only with a lot of hard work from our talented directors, cast, and crew, and the support from our community, that these productions are possible."
Both performances will run consecutively each evening for the matinee performance and two school-day performances.
One hundred percent of the money generated by ticket sales will be used to support Fairmont State Community Arts, the Wallman Hall Theatre, and to further its mission of bringing live entertainment to the community of North Central West Virginia.
Get your tickets now to enjoy a moving and magical night of live holiday entertainment at Fairmont State. Jolly Holiday, A Broadway Christmas Revue, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will be performed in the Wallman Hall Theatre on the campus of Fairmont State Thursday – Saturday, December 8-10 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at fairmontstate.edu/boxoffice
For more information on events, visit Fairmont State Community Arts Facebook Page @FairmontStateCommuniytArts and at fairmontstate.edu/collegeofliberalarts/community-arts
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