NextStage Players presented Holiday Party, a musical revue, to 8 senior residences over two weeks of December. That whirlwind performance schedule had the cast hopping from location to location. Nimble of foot, they sang and danced at “the party” while audiences were encouraged to join the fun. Christa Taylor, the party host, transitioned from the grump who had no spirit, singing Tom Lehrer’s satirical song about Christmas time being a time to “Buy”, to the hostess leading the cast and audience in the finale. Carol Hales, Carolyn Crocker, Ronna Schulkin and Bobbe Martin kept the spirits gay. (Was Carol really on Match.com?).
Mary Roitz enchanted the audience with “A Wink and a Smile”. What a joy to watch her work the crowd. Reggie McLain, Bob Mangels and Sandi Jo Stoltencamp warmed the hearts with their touching renditions of classic Christmas ballads.
Special thanks goes out to the three directors: Shari Gallegos, who also provided the set direction and sound tech, Cindy Gorski and Kathryn Adkins. These ladies proved that you can have multiple cooks in the kitchen and create a wonderfully joyous party.
Kudos to all.