The writer and director of ‘Tis The Season are putting on a holiday-themed show to literally “save” Christmas.
There’s actually a funny explanation about that and it’s connected to the back story about how the Chilliwack Players’ Guild annual Christmas show came to be this year.
Producer Emily Hamel wrote ‘Tis The Season: A Christmas Show for the Whole Family, while her buddy, Ross Biondolillo, is in the director’s chair.
Here’s Biondolillo’s explanation for how he ended up as the director:
“I was acting in the Guild’s production of Sabrina last year when the topic of this year’s Christmas show came up. They held a vote.”
Surprisingly the idea to do a Christmas Carol got turned down.
“I guess because everyone else was doing it,” says Biondolillo. “So Emily turns to me and says, ‘There’s not going to be a Christmas show unless you direct it.’
“I say to her, ‘Ok. Absolutely. I will do this.’
“So in a sense, Emily and I are really doing this to save Christmas.”
Hilarious! Tis the Season has it all: skits, jokes, and holiday music.
The central thread has a group of strangers bound for Edmonton who get trapped in the Chilliwack Airport on Christmas Eve.
“The story centres around two tightly knit family units who get to know each other as the night wears on,” says producer and writer of the show, Emily Hamel.
The audience gets to meet Grams (played by Nancy Arnold), mother-in-law to widower Peter (Richard Ogilvie) and grandmother to technology obsessed Max (Cruise Hurley). Grams is the driving force behind keeping everyone in the Christmas sprit, despite their unfortunate circumstances.
They meet up with Helen (Lara McQueen) and Chantelle (Jewel Hand) a single mom and her bookish daughter. As the evening wears on, new friendships — and maybe even a romance or two — blossom.
“It’s a wonderful show with lots of talented people,” says the director.
Watch as some of the local landmarks take a little ribbing.
“It’s really just good fun.”
There are some familiar Christmas tunes in store, and some fresh seasonal songs as well, says Hamel.
“From mischievous Christmas Sprites to hilarious melodrama and heart-warming performances, ‘Tis the Season offers something for every family member to enjoy.”
It opens Nov. 30 with a Gala Night, featuring free pictures with Santa Clause and pre-show snacks.
‘Tis the Season, Nov. 30 to Dec. 04 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, tickets $15/$12. Some family pricing available, family or group of four is $40. Tickets at the Cultch box office at 604-391-SHOW(7469).
