Christmas fun starts at Sierra Repertory

What do you get when you whirl together Rudolph, Tiny Tim, Cindy Lou Who, Frosty, fruitcake, Santa, Scrooge, big-city Christmas parades and holiday folklore from around the globe? A hilarious, joyful mix-up that has theater audiences from coast to coast lining up for more.

Find out what the raves are about when Sierra Rep serves up “Every Christmas Story Ever Told … and Then Some,” playing at Sierra Repertory Theatre’s East Sonora stage Nov. 16 through Dec. 16. It’s a fast-paced blend of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “A Christmas Carol” and a crazy mix of Christmas music.

The fun begins when a small acting troupe is about to perform Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” for the umpteenth time, but instead the three actors decide to take a detour. With the audience’s help, they round up an exhaustive selection of “Beloved Holiday Traditions” and proceed to pack them all into the next 90 minutes. No myth, carol or seasonal icon goes unskewered.

The show has become a tradition of its own at theaters around the country, where regional companies have brought it back four and five years in a row by audience demand.

Guest director Marc Liby, long-time artistic director of the Great Plains Theatre in Kansas, is crafting Sierra Rep’s production. His trio of performers includes SRT Company actor Ty Smith and New York performers J.D. Kellman and Tommy J. Dose, both new to SRT.

“These three are going to get a work out!” Liby said. “The show is structured really well and the second act especially is very fun.It’s just zany fun. Everyone is going to have a great time.”

Liby connected with Sierra Rep through a mutual colleague and discovered his theater in Abilene, Kansas matches up closely with Sierra Rep in many ways.

“In talking with SRT, this seemed like a really good fit,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Guest costumer Megan A. Moore is coming from New York to create the mish mash of costumes, and scenic design is by guest artist Jordan Egbertson. SRT’s resident artists fill out the production team, with props by Mercy Sharpe, lights by Christopher Van Tuyl and stage management by Lia Metz.

SRT’s production of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told … and Then Some” is presented with the help of season sponsor Clarke Broadcasting and the support of Goodhue Properties.

It plays at SRT’s East Sonora stage. Thursday and Friday performances begin at 7 p.m., Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinées begin at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $24 to $30 depending on the day of the performance. A special talk back discussion with the cast will be held immediately after the Thursday, Dec. 6 performance.

This show is rated PG for audiences ages 12 and up. For more information on content, show dates or to make reservations call Sierra Rep’s box office at 209-532-3120 or visit Sierra Rep at sierrarep.org.