By Oregon Coast TODAY
NEWPORT — “The Christmas Show” by the Red Octopus Theatre Company has turned into a tradition that the central Oregon coast community looks forward to each December.
The show returns to the Newport Performing Arts Center on Friday through Sunday, Dec. 15-17.
Due to its increasing popularity, what started out as a one-night-only event many years ago has now expanded to three performances.
“We’re excited to offer an afternoon option this year for those who may not be comfortable driving at night or who travel from a distance to celebrate with us,” said Red Octopus board member Darcy Lawrence. “Over the years so many people have told us that The Christmas Show has become an integral part of their family’s holiday traditions. Nothing makes us happier. That’s why we began offering the event in the first place, and it’s everything we hoped for.”
Each year, audiences can count on several bedrock elements: that the event will include family-friendly live theater, joyful music, a visit from Santa and snow falling inside the theater — and that they will be treated to hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.
Those homemade cookies, lovingly baked by Kate Boyes, have earned a following all their own. In the early years, the cookies were presented in a self-serve manner at intermission but after several audience members left the center carrying entire trays of them, the cookies are now distributed in pre-packed bags.
While the intrinsic elements remain the same year after year, the show within the show varies. This year’s event will include a performance of the full-length comedy, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez. This madcap romp through the holiday season sees three actors, weary of performing Dickens, opt instead to attempt telling every Christmas story in existence, while incorporating traditions from around the world, icons from ancient times to modern pop culture and every carol ever sung.
The production is directed by Stacy Fischer and features prolific local actors Cody Larsen, Nikki Paige and Caity Showalter.
“I am so proud of the work we are putting into this show,” Fischer said. “We are having a blast and know the audience will, too!”
Once again, in keeping with the spirit of the season, the theater company is sponsoring a food drive to support Food Share of Lincoln County. Attendees can save $5 per ticket when purchasing tickets in person at the box office and bring two food donations per ticket – but no glass, perishables or soon-to-be expired products.
“We can’t wait to welcome audiences back for this special annual tradition,” Lawrence said. “We look forward to it as much as they do, and everyone always leaves feeling joyful and festive.”
Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20.
The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W. Olive St. For more information, go to www.coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.
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