The Idyllwild Actors Theatre performance of “A Holly Jolly Christmas” will present several songs and musical scenes. Vocal performers include (from left) Hollis Fulmor, Michèle Marsh, Barbara Rayliss (who is coordinating the musical portions of the performance) and Jeri Green.
Photo by Suzanne Avalon

Holiday entertainment will be plentiful in Idyllwild. And while Burl Ives won’t be traveling to Idyllwild to sing his favorite Christmas ballad this year, the Idyllwild Actors Theatre will present “A Holly Jolly Christmas” as its 2016 Christmas production. 

The company will perform a variety of tales to warm the hearts and make even the most cynical Scrooge laugh and cry. 

The selections bring out some of the best from stellar and familiar authors — O. Henry, Pearl S. Buck, James Thurber and more.

IAT founder and President Suzanne Avalon says, “These scenes, along with the musical selections, will get your Christmas groove on.”

The cast includes IAT favorites, as well as some new performers for the holidays. Contributing to the seasonal spirit and joy are Conor O’Farrell, Jeri Greene, Michèle Marsh, Barbara Rayliss, Jacob Teel, Kathleen Walker, Hollis Fulmor and Avalon.

The “Santaland Diaries,” written by David Sedaris, offers an elf’s view of the hustle and bustle Christmas preparation creates in the commercial side of the holiday noted for giving. Teel will be relating his irreverent elf-like observations throughout the evening,

Returning is the very popular feature from past holiday performances, “The Gifts of the Magi,” featuring both Marsh and O’Farrell. The audience will watch how deeply one’s love will influence the gift they give to their love.

Christmas humor will be the focus of a surprising rendition of Clement Moore’s famous and traditional poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” or, as we 21st-century denizens of the Hill know it, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” 

And the troupe will intersperse the evening’s gaieties with special Christmas and holiday music, arranged by Rayliss.

IAT will present two performances, one on Friday, Dec. 16, followed by one Saturday, Dec. 17. Both start at 7:30 p.m. at the Rainbow Inn. Each night, the doors open at 7 p.m. for a pre-performance reception.

The Rainbow Inn is at 54420 S. Circle Drive in Idyllwild. 

Tickets are $18 for each night and can be bought at the door or online at idyllwildactorstheatre.com.