Gamut Theatre Group Presents Holiday Comedy

Gamut Theatre Group continues their 26th season with Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez opening December 7, 2018 at Gamut Theatre in downtown Harrisburg.

Gamut Theatre's Artistic Director, Clark Nicholson, Executive Director, Melissa Nicholson, and Associate Artistic Director, Thomas Weaver take the stage to bring you a comic adventure of every Christmas story ever told (okay, maybe not EVERY story, but most!) -- plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A fast-paced, madcap romp through the holiday season!

Executive Director, Melissa Nicholson is excited for the improvisational nature of the show."It is a scripted play, but the authors encourage the actors to have fun with it and modernize and localize references in the play to their own time and location." says Nicholson. "The play evolves and changes every time we perform. I never get bored. And while there is some improv in the play, this is a show mostly of sketch comedy, which is one of my most favorite things to perform. It is the foundation we used when Clark and I created Popcorn Hat Players 26 years ago. This is like the ultimate holiday PHP show for adults!"

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) opens on December 7, 2018 in the 220 - seat Select Medical Mainstage at Gamut Theatre located at 15 N. 4th Street in downtown Harrisburg. The box office and bar will open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. Following the opening night performance, a reception will be held where guests can meet and mingle with the director, cast and crew in Gamut's beautiful Capital Blue Lobby while enjoying delicious food and complimentary beer and wine supplied by Peggy's Pub.

This show is an extra special treat for audiences as it is the first time in a long while that Gamut's directors have been in a show, let alone all in a show together! Nicholson says the rehearsals have been "So much fun! I haven't been in a play with Clark since we played Beatrice and Benedick in Gamut's 2003 Much Ado About Nothing, and I've never been in a mainstage play with Tom. The three of us have directed each other in several projects over the years, but we have never been in a play together, let alone a 3-person show. Clark and Tom are such talented improv performers - so quick witted. I am in awe of that. It's a great treat to step away from our administrative positions at Gamut and just play on stage. Originally, we were actors, not directors and administrators. We know each other really well and trust one another onstage, and that opens the door for amazing ensemble work."

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) will continue through December 23, 2018 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets to the performance are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors/military, and $15 for students. Sunday matinee performances are bring your own price, where any size donation buys your ticket. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.GamutTheatre.org or by calling (717) 238-4111.

"Audiences can expect a fast-paced, fun-filled, trip down memory lane for anyone who grew up watching Christmas specials on TV. It's nostalgic without being sappy. You need not celebrate Christmas to enjoy this play - it's entertaining for all cultures and backgrounds. And also a lot of laughs! We poke fun at everything - no holiday tradition or story is safe! " says Nicholson.

About Gamut Theatre Group:

Gamut Theatre Group is the combined company of Popcorn Hat Players Children's Theatre and Harrisburg Shakespeare Company. Located in Downtown, Harrisburg their mission is to tell classic stories in new and exciting ways for the entertainment and enlightenment of children and adults alike. gamuttheatre.org