Steve Kidd Shines in Hilarious Santaland Diaries

The Gamm Theatre is providing a burst of holiday cheer with its presentation of The Santaland Diaries, a hilarious tour de force for Steve Kidd. The show, adapted by Joe Mantello, is based on an essay by humorist David Sedaris, who pokes fun at his own experiences working as a Macy’s elf.

Kidd is a sheer delight as Crumpet, a Macy’s store elf who shares his adventures and (mis) adventures during the busiest shopping time of the year. “I wear green velvet knickers, a forest green velvet smock and a perky little hat decorated with spangles,” Crumpet explains. “This is my work uniform.”

Crumpet details life as an elf and describes all the various responsibilities of the elves: You can be an entrance elf, a water-cooler elf, a bridge elf, train elf, maze elf, island elf, magic-window elf, usher elf, cash-register elf or exit elf. Crumpet is alternately sweet and sarcastic as he recalls dealing with temperamental parents, precocious children, and eccentric Santas.

Kidd skillfully modulates the tone of his voice to portray the denizens of this absurd fantasy world inside of Macy’s, and has the charisma and energy to sustain a one-man show for an hour.

The direction by Tony Estrella was smooth and confident, and Jessica Hill’s set design was bright and atmospheric, with tall Christmas trees, an adorable penguin menagerie, and a cozy haven for Santa.

The Santaland Diaries is a surefire cure for the holiday blues.

The Santaland Diaries runs through December 23 at the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre. 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket. For tickets, call 401-723-4266 or visit gammtheatre.org.

Working Girls Juggle Romance and Work in Barker’s “Romantic”

Playwright Wendy Wasserstein explores the internal struggles faced by a pair of young working women in Isn’t It Romantic, a bittersweet comedy/drama being performed by The Players at Barker Playhouse.

Set in the 1980s, the story focuses on Janie and Harriet, who are longtime best friends juggling romance and careers. Janie is a freelance writer with an overbearing mother. Harriet works for the Colgate company and is hoping to work her way up the corporate ladder. Janie begins dating Marty, a bright and charming Jewish doctor with a father who is a successful businessman. Harriet becomes involved in an affair with her handsome boss, Paul, who happens to be married.

Janie and Harriet grapple with the paradox of having the ability to juggle a full time job along with a husband and children. Is it really possible to “have it all” as the women’s magazines claim? Wasserstein covered the same themes in her award-winning play The Heidi Chronicles and provides these characters with witty dialogue and personality quirks.

Tammy Mulrooney is sympathetic and engaging as the deeply insecure Janie, who isn’t ready to make a commitment. Katie Preston also shines as the more self-assured and confident Harriet, who hides her vulnerabilities under a veneer of glamour. Michael Pugliese is tremendously likable as Marty, who is ready to settle down and start a family. I also enjoyed the performances of Karen Gail Kessler as Tasha, Janie’s free-spirited mother who is also a dancer, as well as Joan Dillenback (who has directed several plays at Barker) as Harriet’s mother Lillian, an executive with a chilly demeanor. The cast is rounded out by Sam O’Donnell as Russian cab driver Vladimir, Peter Sentkowski as Janie’s befuddled but lovable father Simon, and Erich Dethlefsen as Paul Stuart.

Director Tom DiMaggio has crafted a fast-paced show with appealing chemistry between the lead actresses. We feel the bond between Janie and Harriet, who end up following different paths on the road to happiness.

Isn’t It Romantic. The Players at Barker Playhouse thru Dec 10. 400 Benefit St, PVD. For tickets, call 401-273-0590. Glad Tidings at Arctic

Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol is an irresistible parable about redemption. The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge refuses to partake in the spirit of the holiday and seems destined to live a life of gloomy solitude. Arctic Playhouse presents the story as a live radio broadcast in the 1940s. The characters are brought to life by a fictional group of celebrities from film and television.

Director Christian O’Brien pulled highly entertaining performances from a talented cast, especially Dan Whitehead as Freddy Fillmore, the actor playing Scrooge. Whitehead is a delight as he portrays Scrooge’s antipathy toward his beleaguered employee Bob Cratchit, who wants to spend Christmas with his family. Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his deceased partner, Jacob Marley, who warns of visits from three other spirits: the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future.

Sally Applewhite (Eileen Goretaya), Harry Haywood (Bob Kent), Lana Sherwood (Valerie Gallagher), Jake Lawrence (Jeff Blanchette) and Tommy “Half-Pint” Temple (played by child actor Sam Maguire) masterfully use different voices to bring A Christmas Carol to life. There are also some vintage commercials for fruitcakes and a department store, which are endearing in their innocence.

Writers Kevin Connors and Joe Landry, who adapted the story, remain faithful to the characters we adore while putting a playful spin on the material. The sets and costumes succeed in taking us back to a more innocent time. Overall, this was an enjoyable show to kick off the holiday season.

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play runs through Dec 10. The Arctic Playhouse, 117 Washington Street, West Warwick; 401-573-3443; thearcticplayhouse.com

Bringing Attention to Homelessness

The plight of the homeless is being explored on November 18 in A Place Called Home at Mathewson Street Church in Providence.

The interactive performance was created by Frank V. Toti, Jr. and Steven Pennell, the coordinator of the Urban Arts and Culture program at the URI Providence campus. A Place Called Home is also a fundraiser helping to raise awareness about the years of service provided at Mathewson Street Church/134 Collaborative along with the PICA mealsite and other services offered to the homeless and needy at that downcity Providence location.

The Empty Bowl Supper includes a drink, soup, bread and dessert in the hall where the meal site serves those in need every week. The Empty Bowl Supper has a suggested donation of $25 ($35 with parking in the lot next door) – and the handcrafted bowl is for attendees to keep as a lasting memory of the experience. The bowls have been crafted by Craig Bachman and RIC ceramics students as a way of supporting the effort. There will be a silent auction, and larger donations will be accepted to support the meal site, services, activities as well as the maintenance of the facility.

Pennell said A Place Called Home will showcase “voices which have been lost or silenced.”

Homelessness continues to be a problem, Pennell said, adding the performance will “put a human face on the issue.”

The project is the result of a series of workshops and oral history interviews conducted locally over the last few years with people who are homeless, have been homeless, or work with the homeless. Many hours of stories have been curated and refined, to find the right mix and tempo to present to an audience. This will be the first performance of the material, as actors share these true stories of individuals’ opes and dreams, and the realities of being homeless and hungry.

The cast includes Bradford Greer, Sandra Lee, Jo-an Peralta, Michele Bourget and Sylvia Ann Soares.

The project was created in partnership with the ARTREACH Program at Mathewson Street Church/134 Collaborative, including guests of the PICA Community Meal Site. The performance is produced and funded by URI Providence Campus Arts and Culture Program.

The Empty Bowl Supper to benefit 134 Collaborative’s programs suggested donation – $25 ($35 with parking in the lot next door)

Along with the show, participants get soup, a bread, dessert and a handmade, one-of-a-kind bowl. For more info call 401 331-1069.

Stadium Presents Mulan, Jr.

The classic animated Disney musical Mulan, Jr. will be performed at the Stadium Theatre from November 17 – 18. The Huns have invaded, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous dragon sidekick, Mushu, to save the emperor. Defying the village matchmaker, Mulan takes up arms and disguises herself as a boy in order to spare her father from having to serve in the army. As the great battle with the Huns approaches, Mulan must choose between revealing her true identity as a girl or saving all of China with her clever plan.

“It’s a great story,” said director Gladys Cole, who was intrigued by the idea of a woman pretending to be a man with all the complications that would result from that situation.

“I did some research on the story of Mulan,” Cole explained. “I know it’s a story that has lasted for more than 2,000 years, and I know (the Chinese) believe Mulan was probably a real person.”

Cole also learned about the ancient Chinese culture and aimed to find the best way to honor and celebrate that culture in the production.

“The music is beautiful and a lot of the acting and choreography is movement, not a lot of dance,” Cole noted.

The young group of actors all have their own unique abilities and have worked very hard in rehearsals, according to Cole.

“As a director, I always try to showcase all the actors’ talents, even if they don’t have a lead role,” Cole said.

Cole is a theater teacher and teaches and directs children’s theater as a full-time job.

“It’s been a great honor working with all the kids. I love it,” Cole added.

Mulan Jr. November 17-18. Stadium Theatre. 28 Monument Sq, Woonsocket; stadiumtheatre.com.

Footloose Brings Back the 1980s

The Stadium’s new production of Footloose the Musical will transport audiences back to the glory of the 1980s from November 3 through 5. Footloose is about a spirited teenager named Ren who leads a rebellion in a small farm town after the town elders ban dancing and rock music. The musical has all the hits from the movie, including “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” “Almost Paradise” and the title track, as well as some new songs.

“All the characters are the same and we are going with the theme of the (movie) for our show,” explained director/choreographer Emily Garven. Garven said the production has had its share of challenges. The original director dropped out at the last minute due to health issues, so Garven had to step in. One of the lead actors also left just a month before production began. Some of the teenaged members of the cast also had a little difficulty adjusting to the attitudes of 1980s teens. However, Garven said they are now falling into the time period without any problems.

Garven does choreography for a performing group called Inspiration, which appears all over the country. She directed Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory last year at the Stadium.

Garven has enjoyed bringing Footloose to the stage. “(Footloose) is the biggest show I have choreographed,” Garven noted. “It’s a classic and everybody loves a classic. (Footloose) shows how expressing yourself is important. Another important theme is how one person can make a difference. It’s just a really fun show.”

Footloose the Musical runs November 3-5. Stadium Theatre is located at 28 Monument Square, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Tickets are available at the Stadium Theatre Box Office or by calling 401-762-4545 and online at stadiumtheatre.com

Fusionworks Marks 30th Anniversary

Modern dance company Fusionworks is celebrating their 30th anniversary with a special concert on November 5. Artistic director Deb Meunier, who founded the company and serves as its primary choreographer, promises a lot of variety in the performances. “It will be a wonderful rollercoaster ride,” Meunier said. “I wanted to create a new piece myself, which is what I did. Then I pulled out two dances of my own that were my favorites over the years.”

Meunier’s choreography has been produced at Jacob’s Pillow, Dance Services Network, ECA, The Mayfair Festival in PA, Artspace of New Haven, the Gowanis Outback Series, The Field and the 92nd Street Y of NYC. In addition, her work was chosen to represent Rhode Island at the New England Artist’s Congress and she has been invited to present her work two times at the prestigious 92nd Street Y in New York City.

The concert will feature audience favorites, including the heart-pounding dance, Please, created by this season’s first place winner of Fusionworks’ Nationally Emerging Choreographers Festival, Aaron McGloin. Audiences will also see Vesperae, a dance performed to one of Mozart’s magnificent choral arrangements, as well as the deeply musical, rhythmically layered River Rocks and the non-stop jumping Elliptic/Stippling Line.

Fusionworks’ junior company, Fusionworks II, which serves as a training ground for young dancers, ages 14-20, who wish to further their education in modern dance, is also presenting a piece. “They always perform a piece with us as part of their education,” Meunier noted. There will be also some special guests: Former members of Fusionworks will be watching the current company on stage. Amy Burns has been with the company since 2001 and said the experience has been rewarding. “It’s been a great environment to grow as a dancer and as an artist,” Burns said. “What I love about dance is it combines the physical and the spiritual and the intellectual and the mental so you’re coming at this discipline from every aspect of your life and applying things you’ve learned and things you’ve experienced to your art and sharing that with other people.”

30th Anniversary Performance, Nov 5, 3pm and 6pm, Festival Ballet Providence Blackbox Theater, 825 Hope St, PVD. 401-334-3091, fusionworksdance.org/calendar

Arctic’s Heartwarming On Golden Pond

Sometimes all you need are the right mix of performers to make a show shine, and the cast of the Arctic Playhouse’s production of On Golden Pond did just that.

Terry Simpson shows some sharp comic timing as the grumpy, yet endearing, curmudgeon Norman Thayer, who is staying at his lakeside home in Maine with his long-suffering wife Ethel (well-played by Sandy Cerel, who co-directed the show with Christopher Margadonna). The couple have been staying on Golden Pond for the last 47 summers. Norman is a bit of a recluse, while free-spirited Ethel enjoys the great outdoors.

Their lives change following a visit from their middle-aged daughter Chelsea (a vibrant Cherylee Dumas) who has brought along her new fiancé Bill (Steven Dulude) and his teenage son Billy Ray, played by Ethan Clarke, a wonderfully natural young actor. Christopher Verleger delivers a funny performance as the Thayers’ longtime mailman Charlie, a bit of an eccentric who once had a fling with Chelsea.

Playwright Ernest Thompson’s script is sweet and sentimental, but has plenty of crackling dialogue. There’s a strong sense of place – a broken screen door that won’t keep the bugs out, Ethel’s amazement at the loons she sees through the window – all underlined by the family photos hanging on the walls.

The 1981 movie starred the legendary Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn as Norman and Ethel. Those are big shoes to fill for any actor. Simpson and Cerel wisely decided to bring their own unique interpretations to the characters.

The dramatic highpoint comes when Chelsea and Norman deal with their long strained relationship. Chelsea’s insecurities come to light after Norman befriends Billy and takes him fishing. All of this works very well, thanks to the high quality of the acting and directing. The Thayers and their family are people you will want to spend a few hours getting to know better.

On Golden Pond runs through October 14. The Arctic Playhouse. 117 Washington St, West Warwick. TheArcticPlayhouse.com 401-573-3443. Academy Players’ Exuberant Lion King

Two thoughts occurred to me as I watched the Academy Players’ latest production of The Lion King: 1) “Circle of Life” is a really fantastic song, and 2) this show works exceptionally well with a young cast of performers.

Under the capable direction of Brianna Geyer and Justina Mabrey, the large ensemble of pre-teens delivered an exuberant, but abbreviated version of the classic Disney animated feature. Erin Mclaughlin is likable and appealing as young Simba, who is cast out of the pride following the death of his father, King Mufasa (Marc Cesana, Jr,). Simba has to learn to accept his destiny and face the evil of his malevolent uncle, Scar (Maya Madison and Mya Lemery).

Lyricists Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs are wonderful, especially “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Be Prepared,” “Hakuna Matata,” and of course, “Circle of Life,” which opens and closes the show.

Makena Petsch and Owen Richard were delightful as the meerkat Timon and the warthog Pumbaa, who befriend Simba and provide much-needed moral support. Darianna Perez displayed a lot of charisma and superb vocals as Rafiki.

The choreography of the various songs was well executed and the colorful costumes effectively captured the mood of the African Savannah. This was a fast-paced show, which will entertain audiences of all ages.

The Lion King, Jr. runs through September 30. Academy Players of RI, 180 Button Hole Dr, PVD. For tickets, call 401-830-0880. academyplayersri.org

14th Annual Providence Improv Fest Makes it All Up

The 14th Annual Providence Improv Fest, held from September 21-23, will feature over 40 improv comedy troupes from across the country performing a variety of styles of improv. The bill includes acts from LA, NYC, Philadelphia, Chicago and Boston.

“The festival is a great opportunity for people to see the expanding local comedy improv scene that continues to thrive each year, alongside some of the best national acts in the country,” said producer Tim Thibodeau. “It’s gotten bigger and bigger and more successful (each year).”

Orange Tuxedo is husband and wife Craig and Carla Cackowski, who aim to create grounded relationships formed by eccentric characters. Craig has had recurring roles on television in “Veep,” “Community” and “Drunk History.” Carla hosts the popular podcast “Improv Yak” and teaches and directs sketch shows at Second City in Hollywood.

Another headliner is Trew + 2: Chris Trew plus two strangers from the audience with no improv experience. Trew + 2 is a big hit on the comedy festival circuit and is appearing at several festivals this year. Trew is a comedian, pro wrestling manager and improv teacher based in New Orleans, where he is the co-founder and creative director of The New Movement, a theater and training center. Trew has written a book about improv (Improv Wins) and is a comedy festival veteran having produced, performed in or founded nearly 50 festivals since 2008.

There will be seven all-female groups including The Amie and Kristen Show. Amie Rowe and Kristen Schier are best friends and seasoned festival performers who perform an organic and fluid improv comedy show that’s been featured in fests around the US and . It is their second trip to The Providence Improv Fest.

Airwolf is a favorite of the Providence Improv Fest. They have been performing at the fest for years and have many local ties to Rhode Island. Members of the troupe have appeared on , News Network, ESPN, Nickelodeon and Adult Swim, among many others.

Trudy Carmichael Presents: The Improvised One-Woman Show creates a fully realized One-Woman Cabaret based on audience suggestions of a show title and their personal objects.

CRISIS: An Improvised Comic Book is half improv comedy and half graphic novel