The Idyllwild Actors Theatre will present its annual holiday banquet of Christmas reminiscences and music, “A Merry Little Christmas,” featuring the work of notable authors and humorists Erma Bombeck, Thornton Wilder, Mark Twain, Truman Capote, David Sedaris and more.
“[Our] Christmas tales range from heartwarming to hilarious and bring something for everyone to help jump start the holiday season,” said Suzanne Avalon, IAT founder and artistic director.
The music for the show, under the direction of company member Barbara Rayliss, ranges from a rousing carol from the Broadway musical “Mame” to an original holiday rap written by Rayliss, and familiar Christmas songs sung by the company.
“It’s what we do,” said Avalon, speaking of her company’s many years of producing entertainment for the community. And even though taxed with moving from one house to another and starting a new job, Avalon still produced the annual Christmas event. “We’re happy to continue to produce staged readings and full productions for our Idyllwild audiences. We have an amazing company of gifted actors, many of whom I’ve worked with from the beginning.”
Highlights performed by the company include Martha Stewart’s “Christmas List” and Santa interviews. Most of the stories performed are from American writers but two are international, “Christmas with Mistletoe” by Charles Dickens and “Annunciation to Mary” by Rainer Maria Rilke.
Cast members include Avalon, Jeri Greene, Michèle Marsh, Rayliss, Jacob Teel, Scott Wilson, Hollis Fulmor and Marshall Smith.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Rainbow Inn. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a reception. Tickets are $18 and may be purchased at the door or online at www.idyllwildactorstheatre.com. Space is limited.
