KPFK Radio's 'Arts in Review' Kicks Off Holiday Drama Marathon Today

KPFK Radio's Arts in Review, Los Angeles's longest-running radio showcase on live theater and cabaret, presents its annual Holiday Drama Marathon, featuring the AIR Repertory Players under the direction of Irene Arranga, highlighted by the premiere of the Chanukah special, Dreidels and Donuts by Lynne Kadish and The Christmas Eve Truce, performed 100 years after the original World War I battlefield truce. Arts in Review is also encoring To All a Good Night: The History of Santa Claus and the 11th annual concert presentation of Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales, featuring actor Al Alu. Also featured is the holiday music of Al Jarreau. Hosted by entertainment journalist Julio Martinez, the programs air today, Dec 23 (6:30-7pm), Wednesday, Dec 24 (6:30-7pm) and Thursday, Dec 25 (2 to 3pm), on KPFK 90.7.FM, streamed live worldwide on kpfk.org.

Dreidels and Donuts chronicles one family's efforts to celebrate the first night of Chanukah, despite a neighborhood blackout, burnt latkes and a surprise visit from one very special stranger. The Christmas Eve Truce, which premiered in 2013, is being encored in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the original 1914 World War I battlefield truce, when the combatants on both sides lay down their arms to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

To All A Good Night chronicles the history of Santa Claus, from his beginning as an obscure 4th century bishop toiling on the outskirts of the Roman Empire to the worldwide iconic figure we know today. A Child's Christmas in Wales was recorded by the Al Alu in 2003 at the studios of KPFK. Al Alu passed away on December 3; but the airing Alu's performance of this Dylan Thomas classic will continue to air as an annual Arts in Review Christmas Day tradition.

The AIR Repertory Players features the talents of Irene Arranga, Al Alu, Linnea Liu Dakin, Kevin Delaney, Lauri Fraser, James Hardie, James Hayworth, Richard Heft, Kayla Kalisz, Cullen Kirkland, Carol Kline, Ed Krieger, Richard M. Johnson, Lauren Lewis, Emma Maurer, Eli Okum, Gigi Perreau and Nicholas Read. Other Arts in Review radio dramatizations include Che and Allen, All is Calm, All is Bright, The Nutcracker's Journey, O Henry's The Gift of the Magi and Mark Twain's The Diary of Adam and Eve.