PORT TOWNSEND — Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture and every carol ever sung.
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” is a “madcap romp through the holiday season,” according to Christopher Clow, marketing director for the Key City Public Theatre (KCPT).
“This show will change how you look at the classic holiday shows, and leave you with a new appreciation for longstanding traditions,” he said.
It will open at 7 tonight at the Key City Public Theatre Playhouse, 419 Washington St.
The play will run through Dec. 28, Thursdays through Sundays, with added Wednesday performances in December. It will run in repertory with “Spirit of the Yule,” which will open Dec. 5 and be performed through Dec. 30. The two plays will be performed during the same time period, Check the website at www.keycitypublictheatre.org for dates.
Tickets for “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” are $24 for Thursdays and Sundays, and $29 for Fridays and Saturdays.
Evening performances will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday matinees will begin at 2 p.m.
Pay-What-You-Wish performances will be Sunday and the following Thursday, Nov. 29.
Two designated family shows, with special discounts for children and guardians who celebrate their holidays with KCPT, will be at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 7 p.m. Dec. 19.
Written by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” was born from the actors’ desire for a fresh artistic challenge after performing traditional holiday roles for years.
Together, they set out to create a performance that was unique and engaging to actor and audience alike, Clow said.
It premiered on the Cape May Stage in New Jersey during the 2003 holiday season. It has since been produced nearly 450 times throughout the U.S. and Canada, and now has made its way to the Olympic Peninsula.
“The play accomplishes the small miracle of making all Christmas myths seem both utterly ridiculous and absolutely essential. Yes, Virginia, you can have your fruitcake and eat it, too,” said Steve Schneider of the “Orlando Weekly.”
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” is directed by KCPT artistic apprentice Bry Kifolo. It stars Brendan Chambers, Tomoki Sage, and Nate Stosius, all of whom also will be seen in production of “Spirit of the Yule,” a tradition in Port Townsend with music and lyrics by Lydia Dowdell and directed and choreographed by Denise Winter.
KCPT’s season sponsors are Aldrich’s Market, Alchemy Bistro & Wine Bar, SOS Printing, Edensaw Woods and Avamere at Port Townsend.
To purchase tickets, or find more information on special events and pricing, visit www.keycitypublictheatre.org, or call the box office at 360-385-5278.
