If it’s jolly and capricious holiday fun you’re after, the Madcap Players have you covered with their annual Christmas Show, Dec. 6-9 at South Simcoe Theatre in Cookstown.
The yearly and much anticipated seasonal review features the talents of seven cast members, all of whom are comedic and musically talented.
One of Madcap’s founding members; Debra Shelswell said the troupe loves to present a real variety show that includes traditional Christmas favourites as well as a number of modified and entertaining tunes in different styles.
“We might take a regular song, maybe a rock song and turn it into a Christmas song,” Shelswell noted, adding the audience has always gotten a real kick out of that.
One of the songs that will receive the special treatment is the oldie but goodie, Up the Ladder to the Roof, which has been rewritten by madcapper Rob Townsend. Not to give away too many surprises, but the troupe also does an interesting rendition of the First Noel, Crash Test Dummies version, and a special Canadian take on the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Founded 15 years ago, the Madcap Players got their start with a cabaret show. In more recent years the group cut back to one show per year.
“I think people want to feel good this time of year and we give them a chance to laugh. We know they love to laugh and also hear the traditional songs and have fun,” Shelswell said.
Eager to entertain for this year’s show along with Shelswell are Mareka Martin, Nancy Knapp, Rob Townsend, Julie Underhill and Jerry Smeding. Also performing are Ian Thurston on bass, Joe Adamick on drums, and new member Russ Clayton, with the musical direction of Jay Rothenburg.
Many of the players have been involved in various theatre productions around town. Musical director, Rothenburg is an instrumental and vocal music teacher, arts department head, director of the concert band, jazz band, percussion ensemble and choir at Barrie North Collegiate.
Townsend, who by day is the marketing officer for Georgian College, has been involved in countless productions including the notable Pirates of Penzance when he played the Major General. Underhill has appeared in numerous Kempenfelt Community Players productions, having been in the role of Sally in Me and my Girl. Clayton is a teacher by day, and also a member of KCP since 2002. He played the role of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and the cowardly lion in The Wizard of Oz.
The 7th annual Madcap Christmas Show is sure to delight and warm hearts to the season.
“We feel good doing the show,” Shelswell noted. “Its lively music, the harmonies are beautiful and it’s a lot of fun. You can expect good Christmas music and laughter and you should go home feeling good about the Christmas season.”
For tickets to Madcap Players Christmas Show, Seasonal Musical Review, Dec. 6-9 at South Simcoe Theatre in Cookstown, call 458-4432 or visit www.southsimcoetheatre.com.
