Depew Courier/ Friday, December 5, 2014
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DECEMBER 5, 2014
Lancaster Opera House features original musical for the holidays By Amy Robb
THE LANCASTER SUN CORRESPONDENT
The Lancaster Opera House will be putting on “The Night Before Christmas” from Dec. 19 to Dec. 21, with shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. “The Night Before Christmas” is a musical written by two of our very own Western New Yorkers, J. Michael Landis and Jay Wollin, directed by David Bondrow
with musical staging by Kevin Leary and musical direction by Fran Landis. The opera house has always had a Christmas special, but the new written piece which debuted last season will feature original songs and characters that embody the spirit of the holidays. “The interactive holiday show has been a tradition for about 10 years, and then last season we decided to write our own holiday show. Jay and John were both musicians in several of our musicals and expressed interest
in writing,” said Bondrow. LOH tested the waters last season with the new musical, making changes based on audience feedback to make it better than ever this season. “We punched up some of the jokes and tightened up the writing. Two new songs were added, and it has a new opening number and act one finale,” added Bondrow. He continued to say the newest version can be enjoyed on many levels, but is still kid-friendly. Clever jokes and thoughtful writing increases audience apprecia-
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The cast of ‘The Night Before Christmas.’ tion for a good story. The story begins in Christmastown, following young Jake and his sister who were invited on Christmas Eve to the magical town, soon to be “caught up in a fun-filled adventure with a colorful cast of Christmas characters,” said Bondrow. The siblings, with the help of the audience, overcome a fearsome Frost Giant, outwit a Toymaster obsessed with order, play fun reindeer games, sing, and dance, all in time to save Christmas. There are certain interactive points throughout the
show, like Dasher teaching the audience how to dance, and catchy songs like pop tune “Christmas Spirit,” to make the audience feel like they’re a part of Christmastown and the grand adventure featured on stage. There will be a meet and greet with the cast as well, with pictures and autographs encouraged. Bondrow hopes the audience participation and heartwarming story will “…get kids to fall in love with live theatre. It’s not on TV, not on a DVD…it’s a live experience. This is so important for the next generation.”
Mrs. Claus’s kitchen will be open during intermission, offering up tasty cookies and juice for patrons. Tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for children 12 and under. Those interested in purchasing tickets can stop by the box office from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performances, or call 683-1776. Seats are also available online at lancopera.org. The Lancaster Opera House is located on the second floor of Lancaster Town Hall, 21 Central Ave.