Feast Dinner Theatre seeks cast to lift spirits for ‘Twas the Night: Christmas in Kandahar’

It begins with two Maritime musicians that offer a muchneeded form of distraction to soldiers stationed overseas during Christmas. Bringing their catchy instrumental tunes, sweet slow ballads, contagious comedy and engaging storytelling they serve a reminder of home, as well as boost of morale. With a nod of good taste and meticulous attention to detail, Feast Dinner Theatre presents its latest spectacular production “Twas the Night: Christmas in Kandahar.” It follows the footsteps of characters Sebastian LaRose and Suzie Gallant, whom bring to the stage amusing, human, and heartfelt Christmas cheer. “Suzie is a wholesome girl. She believes everyone has goodness in them, and grew up singing in her church choir. Then the main headliner is an arrogant Sebastian. He’s from Toronto and recently relocated to P.E.I. to find inspiration from his music icon Stompin’ Tom,” said playwright Sherri-Lee Pike. In the show, the Christmas party takes place in a mess hall during a particularly challenging time, when the troops are far from home and waged by war. “There are two rookie soldiers that have been ‘volunteer-told’ to help the entertainers, and then we have Captain Grady who orchestrates the whole event,” added Pike. With direction and military research, the Feast Dinner Theatre production, not only celebrates its milestone mark of 40th successful seasons but, is in part a tribute to the military and entwines the 100th anniversary of the First Word War. “This is a musical comedy, but the First and Second World War is a huge part of our history and we pay homage to this in the show,” reassured Pike. “We have hired a talented musical director, Adam MacGregor, to take it to the next step. When no more words can be said, the music will carry on the journey with incredible and heartfelt First and Second World War musical numbers,” she continued. Music numbers include soulstirring pieces such as Hallelujah, including well-known Christmas carols to singalong to. “It may make you laugh a lot, and it may even make you cry,” said Don Groom, founder of Feast Dinner Theatre. The show features a traditional Christmas buffet, complete with oven-roasted turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, salad and delicious dessert. Auditions for the characters will take place at the Rodd Royalty hotel in Charlottetown, on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Summerside’s Brother’s Two Restaurant, located at 618 Water St., kicks off the show on Saturday, Nov. 17. The Rodd Charlottetown hotel, on 75 Kent St., starts the following week on Friday the 23rd, with a preview Thursday the 22nd. The Rodd Miramichi River, N.B., begins on Tuesday, Dec. 4. Online ticket sales start Monday, Sept. 17. To book, call 902-629-2321 (Charlottetown), 902-436-7674 (Summerside) or go to www.ticketwizard.ca. Shows are on select dates, see www. feastdinnertheatres.com for more details.