Piwacket Children's Theatre Continues Season with Cute Production of THE HOLIDAY SHOW

Piwacket Theatre for Children continues their season with a festive treat called The Holiday Show, which teaches kids the importance of sharing. Of course, this is a valuable lesson any time of the year, but with Christmas around the bend, it's especially imperative that the little ones understand that it is truly better to give than receive. Piwacket is presenting the show Thursday (12/3 and 12/10) at 10:30am, and Saturday (12/5) at 11am, at the Black Cat Theatre in Maplewood, MO.

Two puppets open the show in amusing fashion with Scott Sears manipulating woodland friends Riki the raccoon and George the frog to the delight of the assembled tots. George is too short to place the star on top of their Christmas tree, but bravely jumps to try, despite the fact he keeps missing and landing in a snow bank. Alberta the elf arrives to help out. She's trying to figure out what she should do with her sleigh bell belt, as well as a key she's made. When she encounters a reindeer with an allergy issue that finds him continually sneezing, she makes him a present of the belt. Robbie the reindeer's nose immediately begins to cooperate, and he's off to assist Santa with his yearly task. The key comes in handy when a wind-up toy soldier named Tom arrives, but loses his energy.

Scott Sears, Edie Avioli and Charlotte Dougherty have constructed a delightful production that's filled with familiar songs like "Frosty the Snowman", "Jingle Bells", and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", which allow the children in the audience to participate by singing along. Some original music is also worked into the story to good effect, and the message regarding sharing is clearly communicated and well-timed for the little ones.

Avioli does wonderful work as Alberta, using her considerable energy to keep the action moving and the children engaged in the story. Sears helps out by manning the puppets, providing some laughs with his asides. Justin Ivan Brown does a good job as Robbie the sinus impaired reindeer. Brown dances and prances in fine fashion, with his tap shoes recreating the sounds of the clops of the reindeer's hooves. Rachel Visocan also appears as Tom the Toy Soldier, contributing to the fun atmosphere.

Next up for Piwacket is The Mischievous Elf, with performances scheduled for 12/12 (11am) and 12/17 (10:30am).