Open Stage to Present A CHRISTMAS MEMORY, 11/29-12/29

Escape to a Christmastime of yesteryear with one of America's greatest writers, Truman Capote, in a heartwarming musical adaptation of his favorite short story, A Christmas Memory.

This vividly written, moving and very funny tale will be presented by Open Stage of Harrisburg November 29 to December 29, 2013 and is the second play in Season 28 at the professional theatre located at 223 Walnut St, on the Street level of the Walnut Street Garage in Downtown Harrisburg. This production will be a Northeast Premier of A CHRISTMAS MEMORY, which was created by dramatist Duane Poole, composer Larry Grossman and lyricist Carol Hall (The Beast Little Whorehouse in Texas). Open Stage Executive Artistic Director Donald L. Alsedek directs the production.

Based on Truman Capote's sepia-hued memoir of his childhood, this new adaptation of A Christmas Memory is a wistful memoir of cherished youth, chronicling a young boy's loving friendship with an eccentric older cousin, where misfits Buddy and Sook launch kites, explore speakeasies, and mail fruitcakes to everyone from Jean Harlow to President Roosevelt. Even Capote's childhood friend Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird) makes an appearance.

"Oh, my, it's fruitcake weather," announces Capote's best friend, one frosty morn about this time of year some 80 autumns ago. She is Sook, a lovely loon of an older lady, signaling the start-up of much holiday hustle-and-bustle for herself and her best bud and distant cousin, seven-year-old Buddy (i.e., the boy Capote), in rural Alabama of The Depression.

Capote's tender recall of this special friendship first appeared as a short story in Mademoiselle magazine in December 1956 and subsequently enjoyed a variety of multi-media lives. In 1967, a 50-minute TV edition, adapted and narrated by Capote himself, won cheers, tears and two Emmys (for its teleplay and for Geraldine Page's exquisite performance). Thirty years later, it returned to television as a two-hour Hallmark special starring Patty Duke, adapted and expanded by Duane Poole, who has now authored a new libretto for its latest reincarnation - as a musical, with lyrics by Carol Hall and music by Larry Grossman.

"Life was always full of wonder for Miss Sook, who opens a little boys eyes to the world around him," says Stuart Landon, who plays the adult version of Buddy. "Their adventures are a delight for the entire family. the songs and words are lovely. You'll leave moved and with your toes tapping."

Capote is famous for works, such as In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany's, but A Christmas Memory, an autobiographical story, was his own personal favorites and he considered them his greatest works of short fiction. The cast of A CHRISTMAS MEMORY includes Open Stage Co-Founder and Education Director Anne Alsedek as Sook. Anne has performed in numerous Open Stage productions in its 28-year history. She is joined by Peter Ariano (Buddy), Anthony M.C. Leukus (Seabon), Bryden McCurdy (Jenny), Kara Miller (Nelle Harper), Sharia Benn (Anna), and Sheba, an Alsedek family dog, who plays Queenie.

The costumes are designed by Resident Costume Designer Gwen Alsedek, with lights by Tristan Stasiulis and set design by Nancy Mendes. The production is stage managed by Yoleidy Rosario and is musically directed by David Glasgow.

A CHRISTMAS MEMORY plays November 29 - December 29, 2013 in the intimate Angino Family Theatre at Open Stage of Harrisburg, 223 Walnut Street, located on the street level of the Walnut Street Parking Garage in downtown Harrisburg.

Admission is $30 (21 for Students with ID). For advanced ticket purchase, call our Box Office at 717-232-OPEN (6736) or visit openstagehbg.com. The theatre lobby opens one hour prior to performance. This season is funded, in part, by the Cultural Enrichment Fund, the capital region's united arts fund. Open Stage of Harrisburg is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for non profit professional theatre.

Evening Performances (8pm): Nov 29, 30, Dec 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28 | Sunday Matinees (2pm): Dec 8, 15, 22, 29.

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