The Stratford Players, Idyllwild’s Shakespeare-focused theater troupe, regularly frolics in other fields of fancy.
For their Christmas production, “Christmas On-Air,” they will return to the great days of radio comedy, with four holiday-themed radio romps. “It’s classic radio comedy at its heartwarming finest,” notes Artistic Director Marsha Kennedy. “It’s music, it’s laughter, it’s Christmas in Idyllwild, what more can I say?”
The On-Air playlist includes a performance of a December1953 radio script from “Father Knows Best,” the Robert Young classic that transitioned from radio to become one of television’s most popular series.
The players also are performing a December 1949 radio classic from “Radio City Playhouse,” “The Great Brooklyn Goat Hunt.” Rounding out the festivities are two modern holiday episodes from “A Prairie Home Companion,” “Family” and “Mom,” from December 2015 and 2016.
No holiday celebration would be complete without a reading of Clement Clarke Moore’s Christmas classic “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Stepping in to do the honors is Idyllwild’s own class act, Doug Austin.
At the piano is Ed Hansen, deftly delivering holiday music, lovely and bright.
Kennedy’s regulars, Allison Fedrick, Chic Fojtik, Dick English, Julie Pence and Christopher Morse, are joined by newcomers Suzy Capparelli, Nikki Hock, Brent Lance and Rudy Rich.
“Christmas On-Air” is performed at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Idyllwild Christian Science Church (across from Town Hall). Tickets are $15. Reservations can be made at www.stratfordplayers.com.
“ ‘Christmas On-Air’ is our town’s one and only Christmas show this year,” observed Kennedy. “We hope everyone will join us to celebrate and enjoy the fun.”
