Holiday Theatre Picks
by Ashley M. Groff
press photo

CHRISTMAS CAROLS
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at American Music Theatre, Lancaster, where they've gift-wrapped another special musical revue for the season, "AMT Christmas '02." Familiar cast members such as emcee Wess Cooke, and vocalists Amy Banks and Michelle Rajotte will sing a blissful blend of holiday favorites like "Winter Wonderland," "O Holy Night," "Run Run Rudolph," and more. A newcomer to the live orchestra this year is 13-year-old virtuoso Michael Lambertson, Lancaster, on violin. The "Christmas '02" package will also be accented by fresh dance routines and an entertaining comedy script. "Christmas '02" runs through December 29; showtimes are 10:30 a.m., and 3 and 7:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $30, available by calling the AMT box office at 800-648-4102. For additional info, visit www.AMTchristmas.com.

ANGEL STREET
The miracle of birth is reflected during Christmas. And at Allenberry Playhouse, Boiling Springs, they plan to present their own bundle of joy in the musical-comedy "Special Delivery on Angel Street," written especially for Allenberry by Bob Crawford. Folks of the small town of Barberry are ecstatic over the possibility of a Christmas baby for Holly and Ricky Douglas, who live on Angel Street. What are the odds? In addition to the expectant parents, the audience will be introduced to a scattering of townsfolk and their guardian angels. Sounds of the season will also trim the production. "Special Delivery on Angel Street" runs through December 29. Tickets are $26 and $23, available by calling the box office at 258-3211.

BAH HUMBUG
Even Jack Frost will warm up to York Little Theatre's musical production of "Scrooge," on-stage December 6-8, 11-15, and 20-22. The family show is based on Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol," but set to music. Recognizable characters include Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, Fezziwig, Jacob Marley, and, of course, the infamous Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The Broadway musical "Scrooge," written by Leslie Bricusse, originally opened in 1970 to much critical acclaim. The movie rendition was awarded an Oscar and several Golden Globes. Special recognition was extended to the original score and songs like "Thank You Very Much." "Scrooge" will be performed at YLT at 3 and 8 p.m. Adult tickets are $18, available by calling the box office at 854-5715. For additional info, visit www.ylt.org.

AWAY IN A MANGER
Harrisburg-based playwright Cindy Dlugolecki puts a 21st century spin on the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus in her original work-in-progress, "A.N.G.E.L.s Inc." The film crew of ABC (Angel Broadcasting Company) is assigned to Bethlehem to cover the nativity and to see that everything goes just as planned. But archangel Gabriel, director for A.N.G.E.L.s Inc., and producer Beatrice soon have their hands full with temperamental anchor angel Gloria, guardian angel Andrew, and angel intern Harold. O Little Town of Bethlehem is certainly in disarray. Dlugolecki will present "A.N.G.E.L.s Inc." at the Open Stage of Harrisburg as part of the theatre's Sunday@Seven workshop series. This open forum style allows the audience to comment on the play during shows on December 1, 8, and 15 at 7 p.m. Dlugolecki has written five other local plays and video scripts for the Diocese of Harrisburg. She was recently awarded the Proclaim Award in Hollywood for her work in promoting gospel values via airwaves. Admission is $10. For additional info on "A.N.G.E.L.s Inc.," call the Open Stage box office at 232-OPEN or visit www.openstagehbg.com.