What happens when a talented group of performers, a live band, and one comedic tour guide get snowed-in together at an abandoned Broadway theatre on Christmas Eve? Why a Broadway extravaganza, of course. Grab your Santa hats and light the menorahs because the holiday season is upon us when “Christmas on Broadway” opens this evening at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu.
What happens when a talented group of performers, a live band, and one comedic tour guide get snowed-in together at an abandoned Broadway theatre on Christmas Eve? Why a Broadway extravaganza, of course. Grab your Santa hats and light the menorahs because the holiday season is upon us when “Christmas on Broadway” opens this evening at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu.
Created and arranged by Rick Lewis, “Christmas on Broadway” is a funny, light-hearted, family musical featuring music and dancing to celebrate the season’s festivities. The show first premiered at Broadway Rose Theatre Company in Oregon in December 2012, and has become a popular choice for community theaters during the holidays.
“The show is filled with songs — both new and timeless classics,” said the show’s director, Engela Edwards. “The characters are on tour Christmas Eve and get snowed-in at an old Broadway theater, which of course is a wonderful excuse to put on a show. They find props and costumes and build a show together. They also start building relationships with one another. It’s a hoot and the characters are great.”
With nothing but a few props, set pieces and costume-filled trunks, the show’s characters make their shared dream of starring on Broadway a reality. The production highlights several Christmas classics in addition to newer songs created specifically for the show.
“Some of the songs are very classic like ‘White Christmas,’ and some are written strictly for the play which make fun of Broadway musicals,” said Edwards. “If you love Christmas, you’ll love the show, and if you are a little jaded about Christmas, there are new and inventive witty songs, like ‘Phantom of the Nutcracker Express’ to make fun of the whole Nutcracker experience that every ballet company does.”
Another audience favorite is “Christa-hanu-ramu-ka-dona-kwanzaa,” which attempts to include every holiday into one politically correct song. There is bit of sarcasm, a little wit and a plenty of entertainment. Featuring some of Aloha Theatre’s favorite local performers, the show is a blend of music, dance and Christmas magic.
“There is magic in Christmas,” said Edwards. “It’s all about the magic that happens when people get together and work on things together. It also ties in the magic of theater because that happens in theater too. It’s a show you can bring the family to, and it has a good message.”
Produced by Jerry Tracy, Sarah Crawford and Rich Mears, the cast includes, Kaitlin Moore, Alana Baxter, Jaquelynn Collier, Brett McCardle, Bryan Riley, Kira Kane, Alessa Stephens, Alexa Solmonson, Caiden Mireles, Country Denis, Kristen White, Leilani Penaloza, Lola Demotte, Noelani Loughery-Kawailoa, and Olive Schaal-Girouard.
Christmas on Broadway runs through Dec. 18 on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range in price from $10 to $22 and can be purchased online at www.apachawaii.org or by calling 322-9924