By Jack Firneno
Wire Editor
Bucks County and the surrounding areas can be just as scenic this time of year on the outside as they can on the inside — of a theater, that is.
As the holidays approach, many of the region’s playhouses and theaters devote anywhere from one night to a few weeks to holiday programming. There are long-standing traditions, brand-new productions and new twists on old favorites at nearly all of them.
And, if you’re looking to really take in the local flavor, there’s plenty to do in every town before or after a show.
Here’s the Midweek Wire guide to some of the best regional holiday productions.
Forever Plaid
The Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope
This season, Plaid Tidings continues the Bucks County Playhouse’s tradition of bringing big-city talent to the small river town.
Actors Nick Cearely and Mitch McCarroll, choreographer Lorin Latarro, musical director Phil Reno and Gordon Greenburg all come to Bucks with a slew of Broadway, Off-Broadway and major film and television credits under their belt.
“The location and top-notch professional production team makes the Playhouse appealing,” explained Mandee Kuenzle, director of public relations and promotions for the Playhouse. “Not only do they find the theater and scenery inspiring, but they really enjoy the community and people here.”
A Christmastime take on the musical revue Forever Plaid, Plaid Tidings is a musical with 1950s-style renditions of classic holiday tunes and “visits” from Ed Sullivan, Rosemary Clooney, the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and more.
“It’s a feel-good type of show with lots of fun energy. It will put anyone in the holiday spirit,” promised Kuenzle.
And, you can get dinner with the show at restaurants like Carla’s, the Logan Inn and Martine’s, all in walking distance, before heading over to the Playhouse’s three heated, outdoor bars for a cocktail.
Plaid Tidings runs at the Bucks County Playhouse, 40 S. Main St. in New Hope, from Dec. 4 to Dec. 28. Tickets are $25 to $55. For information, visit www.bcptheater.org.
Winter Musicale
Bristol Riverside Theatre, Bristol
A longstanding tradition for the Bristol Borough theater, the Winter Musicale is a mix of “familiar faces and new talents,” according to Greg Hartley, audience development coordinator for the Riverside.
“We have singers that come back time and time again, and we get a lot of requests,” he explained.
A night of Christmas carols and other holiday songs, this year’s familiar faces include Phillip Chafin, Bethe B. Austin and David Edwards. Matt Lesiy, who recently performed in the Riverside’s production of 39 Steps, will be taking the stage for his first Musicale this year. Donata Cucinotta, Ciji Prosser and Dwayne Washington are joining the Theatre for the first time.
“The audience relates to the folks because some have been doing the Musicales and shows for many, many years,” said Hartley. “They feel like they’re part of the family.”
Visitors are encouraged to also enjoy a stroll on the Delaware River and holiday lighting on Radcliffe Street, and explore the shops and eateries on Mill Street when they come in for the show.
“The town itself is a great walking town,” said Hartley.
The Winter Musicale runs at The Bristol Riverside Theater, 120 Radcliffe St. in Bristol, from Dec. 11 to 21. Tickets are $10-$35. For information, visit www.brtstage.org.
Christmas Jazz With Eric Mintel and more
Crossing Vineyards and Winery, Upper Makefield
There’s no way an accomplished jazz pianist like Eric Mintel wouldn’t play Linus and Lucy this time of year. He and his quartet will play plenty of cuts from A Charlie Brown Christmas at their annual holiday show at Crossing Vineyards and Winery. But, audiences will get much more.
“We do holiday standards with our spin on them, and plenty of originals, too,” said Mintel.
If you’re not familiar with the quartet’s joyful, Dave Brubeck-inspired approach to jazz, the Winery show is a great place to become acquainted — before they leave town again.
“We’re on the road all the time. It’s nice to come home off the road and play for our local crowd,” said Mintel. “It’s very intimate. Just a beautiful room and really great spot.”
The winery is also part of the Bucks County Wine Trail on Dec. 6 and 7, when they’ll feature live music, “Everybody gets to express their personality that day,” said co-owner Christine Carroll.
And, Dec. 13 is their Ho-Ho-Holiday Winemaker’s Dinner: a five-course gourmet meal featuring the vineyard’s award-winning wines, guest speakers, carollers and, of course, a visit from Santa. “We try to keep it interesting and fresh, and it’s just going to be flat-out fun,” promised Carroll.
Crossing Vineyards and Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Road in Upper Makefield, hosts Eric Mintel on Friday, Dec. 19. Tickets are $40. Tickets for Winemaker’s Dinner are $89. For information, visit www.crossingvineyards.com.
Making Spirits Bright, Murray the Elf, Joi to the World
Act II Playhouse, Ambler
The Act II Playhouse once again hosts a Christmas comedy cabaret, vocal performance and kids show. But, this year’s productions all offer something new. Making Spirits Bright, the cabaret, features all-new skits and songs including an improvised version of It’s a Wonderful Life and a reading of a David Sedaris essay. And, promised Bill D’Agostino, “They’ve started rehearsal, so there’ll be new stuff they haven’t even tried yet.”
D’Agostino is the communications director for the theater, and also a playwright: His own Murray the Elf and the Case of the Stolen Sleighbells debuts late this month. It’s the third installment of his mystery-comedy plays for children.
Murray is a two-man show, with one person playing the elf and another playing all the other characters. “It’s a fun, lively show for kids and families,” he promised.
Award-winning singer and actress Joilet Harris brings her first holiday-themed vocal show to the Playhouse. She often performs cabarets here based on a specific performer’s work. Joi to the World “is a natural fit and something different for her,” said D’Agostino.
The Act II Playhouse, 52 E. Butler Ave. in Ambler, features Making Spirits Bright Dec. 9 to 28 (Tickets $35), Murray the Elf from Dec. 20 to 26 (Tickets $8-$12), and Joi to the World on Dec. 21 (Tickets $20). For information, visit www.act2.org.
Town & Country Players Holiday Show
Town & Country Players, Jamison
This is only the third year the Town & Country Players have put on a Holiday Show. But, the 67-year-old community theater group’s performances have been so popular they had to move to a larger venue this year.
“Town and Country does quality work, and the show truly appeals to all ages,” said Jesse Roy, vice president of marketing and communications for the Players. “It’s something you don’t have to hire a babysitter for.”
Directed and produced by the husband-and-wife team of Keith Soester and Sharon Rill-Soester, respectively, this year’s Holiday Show revolves around elves preparing for Santa’s arrival and comes complete with comedy skits and tap dancing. Along with traditional songs and carols, the show features numbers from movies like Frozen and Polar Express.
“They’re well-known songs, and during the holiday season people want to hear the songs they know and sing along with the show,” said Roy.
And they’ll sing along at a series of shows that quickly sell out. In previous years, the company has even made their dress rehearsals open to the public. This year, they’ve moved to St. Cyril Social Hall in Jamison to accommodate the large crowds.
The Holiday Show runs Dec. 13 to 14 at St. Cyril Social Hall, 1410 Almshouse Road in Jamison. Tickets are $8.50-$15. For information, visit www.townandcountryplayers.org.
Annie Haslam, Paul Byrom and more
Sellersville Theater, Sellersville
The Sellersville Theater has a little of everything all month long. Showgoers can choose from a Rat Pack-inspired matinee and country Christmas singalong, and Eric Mintel plays here with the Central Bucks High School West Chamber Choir.
Other highlights include Paul Byrom of the band Celtic Thunder. The group, a theatrical ensemble that features celtic sounds and imagery, is a regular at the Theater. This year is the first time Byrom is playing solo with his Christmas From Dublin performance.
And, a perennial favorite is Annie Haslam of the orchestral progressive rock band Renaissance.
“It’s really a big ensemble show anchored by her,” said Alyson Faga, director of marketing for the theater. For dinner, Faga recommends the Washington House, which is next door to the theater. Tell them you’re there for a show when you make a reservation, and they’ll be sure to get you out on time for the curtain. “It’s great: you park once and go to two places,” said Faga.
The Sellersville Theater, 24 West Temple Ave. in Sellersville, features Paul Byrom on Dec. 3 (Tickets $35-$49.50), Eric Mintel on Dec. 7 (Tickets 19.50-$29.50) and Annie Haslam on Dec. 20 (Tickets $35-$50). For information, more dates and prices, visit www.st94.com.
The Nutcracker, American Repertory Ballet
Patriot Theater, Trenton
The Nutcracker is a perennial Christmas favorite, and if you’re looking for a classic, look no further than the American Repertory Ballet.
Presented here along with students from the Princeton Ballet School, the company has been performing the piece every year since 1956, making it one of the longest-running productions of it in the country and the longest in New Jersey.
“The Nutcracker is a magical moment when, on stage, you see our professional dancers unite with our Princeton Ballet School students,” said executive director Vanessa Logan.
It’s also been a fixture at the Patriot Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton for more than two decades. And, this year’s production follows in the company’s grand tradition with more than 100 performers, a larger-than-life growing Christmas tree and new choreography and sets. But, there are nods to tradition here, too: the party and battle scenes use the company’s original choreography.
“I’m so pleased to be a part of this 51-year holiday tradition,” Logan said.
The American Repertory Ballet brings The Nutcracker to the Patriot Theater, 1 Memorial Drive in Trenton, on Dec. 6. Tickets are $20-$45. For information, visit www.nj.gov/state/memorial.
Scrooge! The Musical
Newtown Arts Company, Newtown
The Newtown Arts Company closes out their 32nd season with Scrooge! The Musical, a lighthearted stage adaption of the Dickens holiday classic A Christmas Carol. The show runs one week only at the historic Newtown Theater. Seated on Main Street, it’s within walking distance of the borough’s restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques.
Scrooge! runs from Dec. 4 to Dec. 10 at the Newtown Theatre, 120 North State St. Tickets are $19-$24. For information, visit www.newtownartscompany.com.
A Seussified Christmas Carol, ANCSS Christmas Concert
Mitchell Performing Arts Center, Bryn Athyn
Another take on Dickens, Seussified fuses the classic Christmas Carol with the distinct prose and characters of Dr. Seuss books. The Christmas Concert features students performing vocal, instrumental and dance numbers with a holiday theme. The Center is located in scenic Bryn Athyn, a historic landmark, and minutes from shopping and dining in at the Valley Courtyard in Huntingdon Valley.
Mitchell Performing Arts Center, 800 Tomlinson Road in Bryn Athyn, features A Seussified Christmas Carol from Dec. 4–6 (Tickets $8-$10) and the ANCSS Christmas Concert on Dec. 18 (Donations accepted). For information, visit www.mitchellcenter.info.
