Christmas gets crazy at Oh Canada Eh
For the most part, Christmas shows are the same old classics trotted out every December to bank on nostalgia.
And as far as Oh Canada Eh is concerned, other theatres can have them. It’s too busy coming up with new stuff.
As always, the award-winning Lundy’s Lane dinner theatre keeps the holidays in the family with Crazy for Christmas, created by longtime cast member Melissa Penner. In addition to the story, Penner created 12 original songs for the musical playing all month.
“Christmas started in January, when I was asked to write this year’s Christmas show,” says Penner. “Putting together the songs is the fun part for me, then writing in the storyline between the songs is what happens in the wee hours of 3 and 4 a.m.”
The story follows a married couple as they prepare for a chaotic Christmas party in their small twobedroom apartment. While Paul (Nick Sheculski) is wild about the season, he’s oblivious to the strain he’s putting on new wife Racheal (Christine Desjardins). Adding to the tension is a ‘Christmas Diva’ (Louisa O’Keane) who expects holiday perfection with every detail.
The show also stars Brandon Stafford, Eric Charters and Penner.
Penner has written previous Oh Canada Eh Christmas shows Swingin’ Little Sleigh Ride, It’s a Wrap and Holly Jolly Christmas.
Audience participation and finding humour “in any situation” is important for every new show, she
In partnership with Project SHARE, a donation bin has been set up at the theatre. All profits from the Dec. 15 show will go to the local food bank.
The show will also accompany a Toys for Tickets toy drive through which patrons can drop off a new unwrapped toy at the box office until Dec. 7. For each pair of toys valued at $20 or more, they’ll receive two tickets to the Oh Canada Eh productions Country Superstars (Dec. 29 to Jan. 27) or The Show Must Go On (Feb. 9 to April 14).