A Dickens' Christmas in Skaneateles consists of Victorian characters, funny skits and sing-a-longs during its month-long run.
The village's annual festival offers a one-night-only show that encompasses all of these things called “The Holly Follies.”
The holiday show is set up more like a variety show in the style of an English pantomime. The pantomime show features a narrator reading a story as characters act it out, director Jim Greene said. The performance style encourages improvisation, as well as provides gaps where viewers can participate and respond.
This year, entertainers will present William Dean Howells' story “Christmas Everyday.” It's a story written slightly outside of the Dickens' time period, but not by much, Greene said.
“It's short and cute, and it has characters that can be acted out,” Greene said as to why he selected it.
Also, viewers will watch as organizers weave other acts throughout the show. “Christmas Every Day” is the continuous story, while a couple skits will break up the performance.
The first is Shannon O'Brien and Dana McCain, also known as Mother Redempta and Sister Philomena Clair of Hey Nunnie Nunnie, a popular comedy act on the Renaissance circuit.
Another addition is a magician. His name is Dave Rojahn, but on stage he becomes John Henry Anderson, wizard of the north, named after a historical magician. And no holiday event is complete without his sidekick Rocky, the mind-reading raccoon.
The show serves as a fundraiser for the chamber to benefit the Dickens' Christmas.
The work is a collaboration with Greene and his company Scarlett Rat Entertainment, which produces the show. KeyBank sponsors it, and the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce organized it.
Greene says everybody loves the holiday shows they put on each year. People continue to fill the seats each year, they get positive reviews and “no one has thrown vegetables yet,” he joked.
Previously, they acted out a radio play of “A Christmas Carol” and “A Very Merry Musicale.”
The audience will interact with the play, often providing the responses to what they see, from oohs and aahs to cheers or boos if a character does something cruel, Green said.
Viewers also will join the performers in singing Christmas carols, he added.
“We kind of weave the fourth wall. Actors come into the audience, and it's just an interactive kind of thing,” he said.
The festival contains about 50 characters. The show boasts a dozen principle actors and will feature an additional 20 of the festival characters.
“I want everyone to participate with this, that's the idea,” Greene said.
Greene is director of the show, as well as the whole festival.
“I'm really proud of the shows we've been putting on. I think we really fill a family traditional role... What a great thing you can come out and do with your kids,” Greene said. “It's really a pleasure to be a part of this.”
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
If you go
What: “The Holly Follies”
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St.
Cost: $10 for advance tickets; $6 for students and seniors; and free for children younger than 5; $13 at the door
For details: Reserve tickets by calling Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce at 685-0552
The holiday show is set up more like a variety show in the style of an English pantomime. The pantomime show features a narrator reading a story as characters act it out, director Jim Greene said. The performance style encourages improvisation, as well as provides gaps where viewers can participate and respond.
This year, entertainers will present William Dean Howells' story “Christmas Everyday.” It's a story written slightly outside of the Dickens' time period, but not by much, Greene said.
“It's short and cute, and it has characters that can be acted out,” Greene said as to why he selected it.
Also, viewers will watch as organizers weave other acts throughout the show. “Christmas Every Day” is the continuous story, while a couple skits will break up the performance.
The first is Shannon O'Brien and Dana McCain, also known as Mother Redempta and Sister Philomena Clair of Hey Nunnie Nunnie, a popular comedy act on the Renaissance circuit.
Another addition is a magician. His name is Dave Rojahn, but on stage he becomes John Henry Anderson, wizard of the north, named after a historical magician. And no holiday event is complete without his sidekick Rocky, the mind-reading raccoon.
The show serves as a fundraiser for the chamber to benefit the Dickens' Christmas.
The work is a collaboration with Greene and his company Scarlett Rat Entertainment, which produces the show. KeyBank sponsors it, and the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce organized it.
Greene says everybody loves the holiday shows they put on each year. People continue to fill the seats each year, they get positive reviews and “no one has thrown vegetables yet,” he joked.
Previously, they acted out a radio play of “A Christmas Carol” and “A Very Merry Musicale.”
The audience will interact with the play, often providing the responses to what they see, from oohs and aahs to cheers or boos if a character does something cruel, Green said.
Viewers also will join the performers in singing Christmas carols, he added.
“We kind of weave the fourth wall. Actors come into the audience, and it's just an interactive kind of thing,” he said.
The festival contains about 50 characters. The show boasts a dozen principle actors and will feature an additional 20 of the festival characters.
“I want everyone to participate with this, that's the idea,” Greene said.
Greene is director of the show, as well as the whole festival.
“I'm really proud of the shows we've been putting on. I think we really fill a family traditional role... What a great thing you can come out and do with your kids,” Greene said. “It's really a pleasure to be a part of this.”
Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net
If you go
What: “The Holly Follies”
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St.
Cost: $10 for advance tickets; $6 for students and seniors; and free for children younger than 5; $13 at the door
For details: Reserve tickets by calling Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce at 685-0552
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