Photo Flash: First Look at A CHRISTMAS MEMORY at Theatre at the Center

Over the course of their 2014 season, Theatre at the Center, a major equity player on the Chicago theater scene, has introduced audiences to never-before-seen productions on Chicagoland stages. To round out their current season, they will be making no exception, and are thrilled to present the regional debut of the musical adaptation of Truman Capote's A CHRISTMAS MEMORY, November 13 through December 14, with a press opening on Sunday, November 16 at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Directed by William Pullinsi, A CHRISTMAS MEMORY is a labor of love for its Broadway veteran team, written by Duane Poole, with music by Larry Grossman and lyrics by Carol Hall. Based on Capote's touching memoir of his own childhood, this wistful Southern Christmas tale is a tender portrait of a rare friendship across generations with a joyous score that will bring love and light to everyone's hearts this holiday season. Sure to delight the entire family, Capote's masterpiece springs to life in this heartfelt musical treat.

The aroma of pecan pie and the flicker of candles in the window banish the December chill of a 1930's Alabama winter in this captivating holiday tale. A CHRISTMAS MEMORY chronicles a young boy, Buddy and his friendship with his eccentric relatives, including his cousin and best friend, Sook. Looked after by her spinster sister during one memorable Depression Christmas, the warm and unfailingly cheerful Sook forms a strong bond with shy Buddy as they launch kites, haunt speakeasies and mail fruitcakes to everyone from Jean Harlow to President Roosevelt. The memory of that friendship celebrates the power of love and the spirit of giving. The festive and emotional story promises to put audiences in the holiday spirit, reminding us what Christmas, family and friendship are all about.

Making his Chicagoland theater debut is 14-year-old Luke Michael Klein as "Buddy." Also starring in A CHRISTMAS MEMORY are multi Jeff Award-winner Paula Scrofano as "Sook" (Hello, Dolly!, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and 42nd Street at Theatre at the Center, Thoroughly Modern Millie at Drury Lane Theatre, Oklahoma! at Lyric Opera Chicago, and Fiddler on the Roof at Marriott Theatre), Geoff Rice as "Adult Buddy" (Leading Ladies and Knute Rockne All-American at Theatre at the Center), Jeff award-winner Iris Lieberman as "Jennie,"John Reeger as "Seabon," Robin DaSilva as "Anna," and Madison Hertel as "Nelle." Queenie the dog will be played by Emmie.

A CHRISTMAS MEMORY production team, led by Director William Pullinsi, includes Musical Director William Underwood, Choreographer Allyson Graves, Stage Manager Rebecca Green, Production Manager Ann Davis, Set Designer Angie Miller, Projections Designer Guy Rhodes, Lighting Designer Shelley Strasser-Holland, Costume Designer Brenda Winstead, Sound Designer Barry G. Funderburg, Hair and Wig Designer Kevin Barthel and Props Designer Cassie Schillo.

Founded in 1991, the 400-seat Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, and has free parking. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.; and select Thursday evening and Saturday matinees. Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44. To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Photos by Bridget Earnshaw

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