3 Orlando traditions return just in time for Christmas
It’s nearly time for the jolly man in the red suit to start shimmying down chimneys, but wait: There are still more Christmas entertainment offerings to be had.
This weekend sees the return of three Central Florida traditions. Not surprisingly, two of them involve “A Christmas Carol.” The third mixes the holidays with Broadway. Here’s the scoop.
‘MY FAVORITE THINGS: THE HOLIDAYS GO BROADWAY’:
Mad Cow Theatre will combine showtunes with seasonal favorites in the return of its annual holiday cabaret performance.
This year’s presentation will include such popular tunes as “We Need a Little Christmas,” (from “Mame”), “My Favorite Things” (from “The Sound of Music”), “Seasons of Love” (from “Rent”), “Surabaya-Santa” (from “Songs for a New World”) and more.
In the cast are Tyler Capraro, Samantha Jenkins, Edwin Perez, Josh Rapp, Kate Stenzel and Savannah Stevens. Tony Simotes directs, with musical direction by Ricky Pope and choreography by Gina Hatch.
“My Favorite Things: The Holidays Go Broadway” opens Dec. 17 and runs through New Year’s Eve at the theater, 54 W. Church St. in Orlando. Tickets are $40-$52. Go to madcowtheatre.com.
‘DICKENS BY CANDLELIGHT’:
Three actors perform Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in this interactive production, which returns to Central Florida after a four-year absence.
Robin Olson’s adaptation of the tale debuted in Orlando in 1997 and presents the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge as a ghost story. Audience members are encouraged to interact with the performers, and cookies and other treats are included in the ticket price.
“To have performed in this show, off and on for over two decades has been really special because of course, you change over time,” said Olson in announcing the return. “It’s a legacy of sorts, and we are just thrilled to bring it back to our hometown.”
Olson will perform in this year’s cast, along with her husband, Terry Olson, and Monica Tamborello.
There will be two performances, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22; the audience is invited to come at 7 to join the cast in singing Christmas carols.
In years past, the piece has been performed all around Central Florida — from downtown Orlando to International Drive. This year, the new Renaissance Theatre will host the production.
“Our mission is to support original works by local artists, and Robin’s play is not only that, it’s a certifiable Orlando tradition,” said Donald Rupe, a founder of Renaissance Theatre Company.
The Renaissance Theatre is at 415 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. Tickets to “Dickens by Candlelight” are $35 at rentheatre.com.
ONE-MAN ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’:
David A. McElroy celebrates 24 years of presenting “A Christmas Carol” nearly single-handedly. He’s the only performer onstage — portraying 37 different characters in telling the tale of redemption and the true meaning of the season.
He does get some offstage light and sound help, but the focus is on McElroy, who wrote this adaptation of the perennial favorite. Chloe McElroy directs this year’s production, which will have in-person shows and an online Christmas Eve presentation.
The in-person performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18 at Penguin Point Productions, 1220 Oviedo Mall Blvd. in Oviedo. Tickets are $20 ($15 for students and military) at penguinpointproductions.com/tickets.
To watch the 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve livestream, get $15 tickets and more information at Eventbrite. com (Search “One Man A Christmas Carol”).
Find me on Twitter @matt_ on_arts, facebook.com/ matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Want more theater and arts news and reviews? Go to orlandosentinel.com/ arts. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.