Touchstone Theatre to Present CHRISTMAS CITY FOLLIES XIV, 12/5-22

Touchstone Theatre presents Christmas City Follies XIV, the high-spirited, vaudevillian variety show that draws inspiration from Bethlehem, a.k.a. "The Christmas City", and the holiday season. Christmas City Follies XIV will run from December 5-22.

Many Lehigh Valley natives have come to celebrate the winter holidays with a trip to Touchstone Theatre for their annual offering of Christmas City Follies. With material ranging from sidesplitting hilarity to touching sentiment - including quirky characters, sketches, and songs - the show promises something for everyone.

Follies escapades this year include favorite characters like Touchstone Founder Bill George's "The Old Guy" making his way back from a very special Christmas trip; Ensemble Associate Mary Wright's "Little Red" trying to deal with a hectic Christmas pageant; and the "Pajama Sisters" working hard to look and sound fabulous in onesie pajamas. The show also features Broadway musical numbers re-written with seasonally-themed lyrics, re-orchestrated Christmas Carols, new character comedy, and a fresh take on audience favorite "The Shopping Cart Ballet".

"The Touchstone Ensemble, complimented by our always-energizing apprentices and some new-to-the-Touchstone-stage local talent, is setting us up for an exciting year," reports Touchstone Artistic Director Jp Jordan. This year marks Jordan's sixth time directing Follies.

In addition to Follies veterans, the cast is joined by Josh Neth, Artistic Director of Allentown Public Theatre, who recently gave a powerhouse performance in the company's Poe: A Madman Knows Nothing. Also featured in the cast is Megan Schadler, a senior at the Lehigh Valley Charter Arts High School, who has performed with Touchstone regularly through the theatre's annual Young Playwrights' Festival.

Another new addition this year is a pre- and post-show reception on Friday and Saturday evenings only. Holiday-themed drinks and desserts are available for a fee beginning at 7pm in the Touchstone café. The holiday atmosphere is complimented by live musical performances by local musicians. Then the reception continues again after the show with opportunities for audience members to mingle with Follies cast members.

Christmas City Follies XIV is supported locally by season sponsor First Generation, an integrated marketing communications company. WDIY provides media sponsorship.

Christmas City Follies XIV plays December 5-22, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. On Saturday, December 21, there will be a special matinee show at 2pm in addition to the regularly scheduled 8pm show. Tickets are $25 / $15 for students and seniors, with group rates available on request. On Thursdays, Touchstone offers pay-what-you-will at the door, allowing patrons to name their own ticket price. Advance tickets may be purchased at 610-867-1689 or online at www.touchstone.org.

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