Theatrical Review: “Christmas at the Stage Door Canteen”

CHRISTMAS AT THE STAGE DOOR CANTEEN
Written and Directed by: Rod Foote
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented their Holiday production of “Christmas at the Stage Door Canteen” which was written and directed by Rod Foote who also Designed the show. The Show is a musical review featuring a selection of holiday related songs and carols along with swingier and other tunes reminiscent of the WWII era. A very talented cast weaved each song together with a thread of narratives and tied them together with some entertaining dance numbers which delighted the audience.

The Cast consisted of Mallorie Fletcher, Julie Abner, Rachel Hettinger*, Patrick McLaughlin, Kyle Donahue, and Mike Dale along with some younger performers who appeared in tow separate sets of cast; a green and a red one. The Green cast consists of Kailey and Paige Jackett along with Aubrey Haskell and Kristopher Sanchez. The Red cast (who performed the afternoon I was there) consists of Danielle Catrillo, Bryce Cramer, Jadyn Lynah, and Sarah Principe. The entire cast made the show an enjoyable experience in spite of the perception their performance lacked a certain level of consistent energy which may soon be remedied as the production continues its run.

The Shawnee Playhouse* Holiday production of “Christmas at the Stage Door Canteen” was Written, Directed, Designed by Rod Foote and Stage Managed by Stephanie Lucy Reyes*. The production’s Music Director was Keith laBar, Billye Kubiak was the Choreographer, and Alex M. Bender served as Technical Director with Annie Della Fera as the Technical Intern. Jane Sumner was the Costumer, William J. Ulichney was the Master Carpenter, and Anthony Garbarino* was the Scenic Painter. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky* while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood. Group Sales of their productions are handled by Mary Horn* while The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*. The Box office staff includes Kasey Mesko, Lillian Ramirez Gonzalez*, Becky Haskell, and Barbara Ross.

This production of “Christmas at the Stage Door Canteen” by Rod Foote will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until December 21st and is recommended for those who would enjoy some entertaining holiday fare. The next Shawnee Playhouse* presentations will be The Children’s theatre production of “A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Carol” to be performed November 29th until December 20th, The Northeast Ballet Ensemble production of “The Nutcracker” on December 7th, 14th, and 21st, The Messiah Community Sing In on Monday December 22nd at 8pm, “Kids Kabaret” to be performed December 27th and 28th, and “Mysterrio’s Winter Magic Show” to be performed December 28th and 29th. Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 or visit their website for more information and to reserve your ticket.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.