The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company Closes A CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL GUIDE 12/23

The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company presents the contemporary musical revue, A Christmas Survival Guide, Nov. 27-Dec. 23 at the SaG?Ji Theatre. This light-hearted, offbeat revue takes a humorous look at the stressful holiday season.

Armed with a copy of A Christmas Survival Guide and an optimistic attitude, the characters charge into shopping malls, office parties, and family gatherings in their search for the true essence of Christmas. By mixing comedic vignettes, a contemporary score of original music (The 12 Steps of Christmas, Waitin' for the Man with the Bag) and classic songs (Silver Bells, O Holy Night), the characters learn to cope with the season.

"If you liked I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, you will love A Christmas Survival Guide," said FAC Theatre Company Producing Artistic Director Alan Osburn. Like I Love You, You're Perfect, A Christmas Survival Guide, conceived and written by James Hindman and Ray Roderick, features a series of vignettes and songs that explore the journey we all face every December. What should be a time of giving, smiling, laughing, and enjoying great food and fun with friends and family
has unfortunately turned into countless trips to the mall, or hours online, making purchases that our checking accounts can't handle.

Michael E. Gold, who played the title role in the FAC Theatre Company's production of The Music Man last spring, is the director and choreographer. The Denver-born Broadway veteran played four roles in the 1997 Broadway revival of Annie and has performed on national tours for Annie and Oklahoma! His performance as the emcee in Arvada Center's 2007 production of La Cage aux Folles, earned him a Henry Award for "Outstanding Actor in a Musical" and a Denver Post Ovation Award for "Best Actor, Musical." 

"I was intrigued with working on a unique Christmas show where we visit a Jewish Santa, tap dancing reindeer, singing candy canes, a 12-step program, a naughty Mrs. Claus and come out with a new view of a traditional holiday ... Christmas," said Gold.

The cast includes five triple threats who can all sing, dance and act, including Sharon Kay White, a two time winner of the Denver Post Ovation Awards: in 2008, Best Supporting Actress, Dramatic Role for her work in the Arvada Center's Hollywood Arms and in 2007, Best Supporting Actress, Musical, for her role in the Country Dinner Playhouse's Guys and Dolls.
John Moore of the Denver Post wrote in 2007, "White has been very good for a very long time. If you don't know the name, this would be a fine time to get to know her ... White shows impeccable comic timing, a powerful voice, incredible courage ... and best of all, heartbreaking humanity. She's just lovely."

Rounding out the ensemble are Samuel Gleason (Cabaret, Beauty and the Beast), Ken Robinson (The Music Man, The Full Monty), Halee Towne (A Christmas Carol, The Full Monty) and Carmen Vreeman (Sunday in the Park with George, Beauty and the Beast).

Roberta Jacyshyn (Music Director) has been involved in FAC musicals for 25 years and for A Christmas Survival Guide, she'll conduct a five-piece band that will be onstage and will sing a number in the show.

The creative team includes Scenic Designer Christopher L. Sheley, who has earned awards from The Gazette, Denver Post and Pikes Peak Arts Council; Leslie Aldridge (Costume Design), Holly Anne Rawls (Lighting Design), Breton Parks Christopherson (Sound Design), and Jessica Rose (Properties Master).

The Perfect Office Holiday Party Show
Have your holiday office party at the FAC and stay for the show! We'll customize a package for your group with a pre-theatre reception (cocktails and gourmet hors d'oeuvres) and discounted tickets to the show.

Contact FAC Events Coordinator Melissa Thompson by calling 719.477.4350 for details.
Tickets and Show Times
Thursday 7:30 p.m. $26 FAC members; $31 non-members
Friday/Saturday 8:00 p.m. $30 FAC members; $35 non-members
Sunday 2:00 p.m. $26 FAC members; $31 non-members

Special added holiday performances
Dec. 22-23 7:30 p.m. $26 FAC members; $31 non-members
‘Mini Season' Subscriptions Available ... The Perfect Holiday Gift

Subscribe to the ‘mini season' you can see the four remaining productions for the price of three.
o NEW! Thursday and Sunday Mini Season: FAC Members $78 Non-members $93
o NEW! Friday and Saturday Mini Seasson: FAC Members $90 Non-members $105
FAC Theatre Company Season
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street | Jan. 22 - Feb. 14
All My Sons | March 19 - April 4
Crazy for You | May 7 - 30
Pre-Theatre Dining at Café 36 ... call 719.477.4377 for reservations.
For more information, visit us at csfineartscenter.org or call the FAC Box Office at 719.634.5583.
A Christmas Survival Guide is sponsored by the El Pomar Foundation and the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado.

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