Interview: Elena Shaddow in A CHRISTMAS STORY at Paper Mill Playhouse

A Christmas Story: The Musical is now onstage at the Paper Mill Playhouse stage from through January 3rd. Based on the popular film, this clever and charming show is directed by Brandon Ivie and choreographed by Mara Newbery Greer. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Elena Shaddow who plays the Mother in the show. Shaddow is a lovely, vivacious woman and she chatted with us about her career and A Christmas Story.

A resident of Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, Shaddow returns to Paper Mill Playhouse where she was last seen in the leading role of Maria in The Sound of Music. Her Broadway credits include The Visit, The Bridges of Madison County, La Cage aux Folles, The Woman in White and The Light in the Piazza, and others.

This is not the first time that Shaddow has played a mother as she had the role of Francesca in Bridges of Madison County. She also has two young children herself. "It's empowering to play a mom," stated Shaddow. "Art imitates life and life imitates art." In fact, Shaddow is now making a transition in the roles she plays from a young ingénue to more mature parts.

We asked Shaddow why she feels audiences will find A Christmas Story so appealing. "There may be people in the audience who have not seen the movie, and they will be pleasantly surprised. This show is not necessarily all about Christmas. It's also about family, overcoming obstacles and relationships." She also pointed out that music and dance "elevate the story." Shaddow said, "Musical theatre takes an intense moment and makes it more poignant. The beauty of the music sets it deeply in your consciousness."

Shaddow told us how she feels about working at Paper Mill. "I absolutely love to be back at Paper Mill Playhouse. It is one of my favorite regional theatres to work in. Everyone there is welcoming, professional and fun. It's a real family from the Artistic Director, Mark Hoebee to the cast and crew. I was delighted that my former Dresser, Debbie Whitehead will be working with me again. I cried when I saw her. It was a real reunion of old friends."

Shaddow told us about her experience with the team of A Christmas Story. "It's been pleasure to work again with Chris Hoch who plays The Old Man. And I am glad to finally be working with Director, Bandon Ivie." She also expressed her admiration for the children in the production. "The young people in the show are working so hard and are very talented."

In addition to her busy family and performance career, Elena Shaddow also teaches vocal lessons. "It's important to be a teaching artist and work with new talent."

For more information on the career of Elena Shaddow and to learn about her teaching, visit her web site at http://www.elenashaddow.com/.

A Christmas Story: The Musical is a universally appealing show. Gather your group and give some tickets to your friends as gifts. The show will be performed at Paper Mill Playhouse eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are on sale now starting at $29. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Box office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn or online at www.PaperMill.org. Groups of 10 or more can receive a discount of up to 40% discount and should call 973.315.1680. College students can order $20 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Box Office on the day of the performance.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Elena Shaddow