PLANET CHRISTMAS to Premiere at Contemporary Theater Company

Whether you love the carols, decorations, and stories of Christmas or find the constant barrage of commercialized holiday cheer exhausting, Planet Christmas, a new play opening December 4 and receiving its world-premiere at the Contemporary Theater Company, is sure to delight.

Funny and poignant with a touch of "Bah Humbug", Planet Christmas follows Christmases over hundreds of years in the small coastal town of Pine Beach. From the first European pilgrim to ceaseless holiday music at the Planet Christmas superstore to the far distant future, Christmas is a constant, reminding us of our shared sentimentality and exasperation.

The play contrasts cheerful carols and cynical quips but ultimately reminds us of what the holidays really mean - family togetherness - whether it's the family you're given, or the family you choose.

"Planet Christmas hits a lot of different notes - funny, sweet, and exciting," says CTC Communications Director and Planet Christmas Stage Manager Maggie Cady. "There's always something new and interesting happening as we switch time periods and even genres."

Planet Christmas is written by Andy Hoover, the Contemporary Theater Company's playwright-in-residence. Hoover has written three plays performed at the CTC over the last 8 years, as well as writing annually in the company's 24-Hour Play Festival. Hoover moved to Rhode Island this summer to work as a playwright-in-residence, leading to two world premieres - Planet Christmas and next April's Narragansett Valkyrie.

"Andy Hoover is the CTC's most frequently produced playwright, and for good reason," says CTC Artistic Director Christopher J Simpson, "His productions capture a wide breadth of sentimentality and insight, with a captivating depth to even his most trivial characters."

"Fans of Set & Drift, Composition, and the 2009 and 2012 productions of Gift of the Magi will recognize Andy's expert weaving of complex ideas and fun characters - and these are frequently mentioned as favorite CTC productions in our Audience Surveys," notes CTC Box Office Manager Brendan Kelley. "I can't wait for this one - Andy is my favorite playwright too."

The cast includes company regulars Terry Simpson, Sami Avigdor, Steph Rodger, Stephen Strenio, Ashley Macamaux, and Stephanie Traversa, along with several veterans of the recent production of Sweeney Todd including Maggie Papa, Ari Kassabian, Alexander Bermudez, Phil Ryng, and Riley Cash, and newcomers Katilyn Sweeny, Emily Rodriguez, and Isabella Bennett.