Theatre Nova Sets Cast of AN ALMOST BRITISH CHRISTMAS

Ask a Brit what their fondest memory of the holidays is, and they may tell you watching the annual "Panto" or Pantomime - a unique blend of musical comedy, vaudeville, slapstick, audience participation, and spectacle. But here in America, the word "pantomime" mainly conjures up images of people dressed in black, with white faces "trapped in a box." Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor's professional theatre dedicated to new plays and playwrights, is trying to change all that, as it introduces its twist on the art form with "An Almost British Christmas" opening November 27th and running through the holidays to December 20th. An inclusive community celebration, the show features a celebrity guest star each night, including beloved duo Gemini, Mayor Chris Taylor and Eva Rosenwald, Laurie Atwood of the Children's Creative Center, local jazz singer Courtney Riddle, Elsa from Frozen, and even Santa Claus. "An Almost British Christmas" also features local Equity and non-Equity actors, original songs and music by Ann Arbor composer R. MacKenzie Lewis, and an original script by the Theatre Nova Ensemble.

As with most Pantomimes, the plot of the show follows a well-known holiday story familiar to all, while incorporating Panto traditions like The Panto Dame, a brash and flamboyant older woman, played by cast member Wayne David Parker in drag; The Principal Boy, a "breeches" role played by Vicki Morgan; slapstick and physical comedy routines; and of course, a rotating roster of guest celebrities (a full schedule is included below.) The show's music is an eclectic mix of original songs by composer Lewis, whose work has been seen locally, as well as off-Broadway and at the Kennedy Center; parodies of popular tunes which will be familiar to adults and children alike; beloved holiday classics; and even a polka or two. Production design is provided by Producing Director Daniel C. Walker and Education Director Becky Zarna Fox. Fight Direction is by Melissa Freilich, Musical Direction and original compositions are by R. MacKenzie Lewis.

Artistic Director Carla Milarch, who directs the show, says "Theatre Nova is always striving to present something fresh, and we wanted to honor that in our holiday show too. We thought it would be great fun to incorporate this little seen art form, because it is such a different style of audience interaction. The actors actually encourage the audience to boo the villain and cheer for the hero, and even to unwrap and eat the candy that we throw at them during the performance, which is an old Panto tradition. Of course we put our own American twist on it, with three actors playing all the parts, and we give the audience a little rundown of how everything works so no one feels left out. There's even a surprise appearance by someone very near and dear to my heart."

Leading the outstanding cast is SE Michigan theatre legend, Wayne David Parker. Parker has appeared on practically every stage in Michigan, including most recently Meadowbrook Theatre in "The Explorers' Club." Earlier this year, he was seen at Williamston Theatre in "The Art of Murder," and at Performance Network in "Stones In His Pockets." A resident artist at the Purple Rose Theatre, he was in all three "Escanaba" plays there, and the World Premiere of Lanford Wilson's "Book of Days," among many others. He has also appeared in 19 feature films, including da' Jimmer in "Escanaba in da Moonlight." Joining him is Jennifer Graham, a director, actor and lecturer of Theatre at Eastern Michigan University. As a performer Jen has worked professionally at London's Gate Theatre, UK as well as locally at The Tipping Point Theatre, Andiamo Theatre, Planet Ant Theatre, and Performance Network. Rounding out the cast is Vicki Morgan, a graduate of EMU in theatre, and a company member of Spinning Dot Theatre here in Ann Arbor. Nova patrons may remember her from the Yellow Barn presentation of "This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing." The show's stage manager is Roberta Lake.

The production will run November 27 through December 20, with performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. The show is recommended for ages 5 and up. All candy distributed throughout the performance is in its original wrapper with an ingredients list provided for families with allergy concerns. Bring a toy in its original packaging to donate to Toys for Tots, and get a family ticket (two adults, two children) for $40.

Guest celebrity roster:
Friday, November 27 - Gemini
Saturday, November 28 - Magician Jeff Boyer
Sunday, November 29 - Charlie Sutherland
Thursday, December 3 - TBA
Friday, December 4 - TBA
Saturday, December 5 - TBA
Sunday, December 6 - Mayor Chris Taylor and Eva Rosenwald
Thursday, December 10 - Elsa from Frozen
Friday, December 11 - Elsa from Frozen
Saturday, December 12 - Scott Crownover
Sunday, December 13 - Laurie Atwood
Thursday, December 17 - Laurie Atwood
Friday, December 18 - Santa Claus
Saturday, December 19 - Jazz trio: San, Emily, and Jacob
Sunday, December 20 - Courtney Riddle

All performances will be at the Yellow Barn (416 W. Huron, Ann Arbor), which Theatre Nova converts into a professional thrust-configured theater venue six-times a year. The location offers free parking, as well as quick walking access to downtown. Nearby reference points are the Ann Arbor YMCA, the Big City Small World bakery, The Last Word, and the Sun Moon Yoga Studio. The entrance for parking is near the intersection of Huron St. and Chapin St/3rd St.

Theatre Nova has marked all performances as pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $20. Bring a toy in its original packaging to donate to Toys for Tots, and get a family ticket (two adults, two children) for $40.

Theatre Nova is Michigan's only theater exclusively producing new plays. Its mission is to raise awareness of the value and excitement of new plays and rising artists, and provide resources for playwrights to develop their craft by importing, exporting, and developing new work. It seeks to create a sustainable theater for generations to come, built on the cornerstones of accessibility, transparency, artist-leadership, and equality. It is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization. Visit theatrenova.org for more information.