Are you feeling Naughty or Nice this Christmas Season? Looking for something traditional, or perhaps something different and slightly irreverent? You’re covered in either case as the Hudson Players present two holiday shows this season.
An Humorous Edgy Holiday Saga
December 2 & 3, 2011
By Jeff Goode
This is not the Santa you’ve come to know and love. But don’t take my word for it, hear it straight from the, er, Reindeers’ mouths. “All those rumors you’ve heard about him and the elves? About Rudolph’s little secret? About Vixen’s story that was leaked to the press? Yes, the reindeer finally speak up and — believe us — they do not hold back!” Each of “The Eight” take their turn on stage as they tell their story. The dark comedy will have you rolling in the isles during the show and talking about all the topical issues it stirs up over drinks later. A cross between Scrooged and The Accused, the Eight will give an alternative to those adults looking for something different this holiday.
**CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE AND SITUATIONS – Not Recommended for Children**
“It’s really a metaphor for the troubled times in which we live and the disturbingly common problem of sexual harassment in the workplace. It’s about appearances and perceptions, truth and justice. Playwright Jeff Goode wrote the play after a high-ranking official of Chicago’s Catholic church was accused of sexual misconduct, tearing apart the congregation.” – Karen Feldman, The News-Press
Excellent thought provoking. — Dramalogue Magazine
Arrestingly funny. — Village Voice
A unique, fun presentation of the Christmas Carol we know and love.
December 16 & 17, 2011
Performed by the Largely Literary Theater Co.
This fundraiser to benefit worthwhile Christmas Charities is sponsored by The Hudson Players.
Adapted and directed by Mark Dawidziak, this 90-minute play in two acts begins with the premise that the audience has gathered to hear Dickens give one of his popular readings of the story about miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Dickens (played by Dawidziak) appears on stage, opens the book and starts reading the familiar words, “Marley was dead to begin with …” As the “reading” progresses, Scrooge (Tom Stephan) appears. Almost all the other roles – men and women, ghosts and mortals – are played by a single third actor , Sara Showman, – with Dickens moving in and out of the action as a third voice is needed.
The audience is drawn in, visualizing everything Dickens is describing. The few set pieces – a trunk, tables, some chairs – are constantly shifted by the cast to suggest various scenes, everything being used and reused as imaginatively as possible. This has been an area favorite for years and The Hudson Players are pleased to bring this production to Hudson.
