We have finally come to my second-to-last entry in this lead-up to White Christmas series, tonight was our official dress rehearsal and tomorrow the curtain rises on a 4-show run. It has been my pleasure to highlight the various aspects of bringing a community theatre production to life, and tonight’s highlight is all about the faces on stage. This is my love letter to an incredible cast of characters I am proud to be a part of.
Obviously the true star in my eyes is my mom Silvana, and the time we’ve spent together. In fact, the White Christmas cast is truly a family affair – there is steadfast Bernie and his kids Amelia (the sweetest heart ever) and Andrew (in a charismatic lead role whose sense of humour is unmatched). Another mother/daughter duo are stars Danielle (her Regency Room number is a jaw-dropper) and her daughter Elizabeth (playing an absolutely adorable Susan).
Rounding out the leading cast are the incomparably talented Lauren and the smooth-moving Andrew, a commanding performance of the General by Dave, and a show-stopping performance by Emily who has been a remarkable cheerleader to all. My friend Rick and I go way back, he is a hoot in his role and it has been wonderful spending time with him on this show. Aidan has played his part of Ezekiel better than anyone else could, I’m sure of it.
Kelsey & Chelsey as Rita & Rhoda are scene-stealers and will surely win over the audience the same way they have us, their castmates. You’re in for a treat seeing Chris & Cass as “Snoring Man and his wife” with their beautiful vocals – they’re anything but a snooze! Ashton’s booming voice and matching energy have been a joy.
It was so comforting to see some familiar faces and the audience will surely recognize Penny, Darla and Chris Moz who have been delighting audiences for a long time – thank you for welcoming me back with such warmth. Mary Anne, Wayne, Maria with the world’s hottest shoe collection and Rosie with the sugary voice are more stage veterans who have been so great to work with & learn from.
To Colin & Darryl, thanks for your scene help & enthusiasm, you are wonderful! Joel with the voice as big as the sky; Kyle, Laura and Zephyr – you all wear a lot of hats, literally & are always fun to watch. The gorgeous dancer girls, with their impossibly perfect hair, makeup and stage presence – Kerri, Ariella, Monique, Maggie, Rayann light it up. To Lizz: how you have balanced performing, new motherhood & holding the Presidency of the Musical Comedy Guild with such a supportive outlook is really inspiring.
When you’re part of a cast this size, there’s always a few of “your people” you find to chat with and I’m so fortunate to have met some really brilliant women: Kate – I admire how you juggle so many boss things and yet give everything you have to this show, I am excited for girls’ night at Jimmy’s! Leith, thank you for being such a kind teacher sharing your wise tips and musical wiles. Krissy, you are as elegant as the Regency Room and I’m so glad I’m your date!
Thank you everyone, for including me. You are spectacular! My heart is full and tomorrow is the last day of 12 Days of White Christmas, and the first of 4 Magical Nights!
If you want to get to know more inside scoop, more behind-the-scenes, and more of my thoughts on re-connecting with my theatre family – follow along on Instagram @huckstogive, with the Musical Comedy Guild on Facebook, and on SooToday’s new SPACES!
Sarah Huckson
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*12 Days of White Christmas*
We have finally come to my second-to-last entry in this lead-up to White Christmas series, tonight was our official dress rehearsal and tomorrow the curtain rises on a 4-show run. It has been my pleasure to highlight the various aspects of bringing a community theatre production to life, and tonight’s highlight is all about the faces on stage. This is my love letter to an incredible cast of characters I am proud to be a part of.
Obviously the true star in my eyes is my mom Silvana, and the time we’ve spent together. In fact, the White Christmas cast is truly a family affair – there is steadfast Bernie and his kids Amelia (the sweetest heart ever) and Andrew (in a charismatic lead role whose sense of humour is unmatched). Another mother/daughter duo are stars Danielle (her Regency Room number is a jaw-dropper) and her daughter Elizabeth (playing an absolutely adorable Susan).
Rounding out the leading cast are the incomparably talented Lauren and the smooth-moving Andrew, a commanding performance of the General by Dave, and a show-stopping performance by Emily who has been a remarkable cheerleader to all. My friend Rick and I go way back, he is a hoot in his role and it has been wonderful spending time with him on this show. Aidan has played his part of Ezekiel better than anyone else could, I’m sure of it.
Kelsey & Chelsey as Rita & Rhoda are scene-stealers and will surely win over the audience the same way they have us, their castmates. You’re in for a treat seeing Chris & Cass as “Snoring Man and his wife” with their beautiful vocals – they’re anything but a snooze! Ashton’s booming voice and matching energy have been a joy.
It was so comforting to see some familiar faces and the audience will surely recognize Penny, Darla and Chris Moz who have been delighting audiences for a long time – thank you for welcoming me back with such warmth. Mary Anne, Wayne, Maria with the world’s hottest shoe collection and Rosie with the sugary voice are more stage veterans who have been so great to work with & learn from.
To Colin & Darryl, thanks for your scene help & enthusiasm, you are wonderful! Joel with the voice as big as the sky; Kyle, Laura and Zephyr – you all wear a lot of hats, literally & are always fun to watch. The gorgeous dancer girls, with their impossibly perfect hair, makeup and stage presence – Kerri, Ariella, Monique, Maggie, Rayann light it up. To Lizz: how you have balanced performing, new motherhood & holding the Presidency of the Musical Comedy Guild with such a supportive outlook is really inspiring.
When you’re part of a cast this size, there’s always a few of “your people” you find to chat with and I’m so fortunate to have met some really brilliant women: Kate – I admire how you juggle so many boss things and yet give everything you have to this show, I am excited for girls’ night at Jimmy’s! Leith, thank you for being such a kind teacher sharing your wise tips and musical wiles. Krissy, you are as elegant as the Regency Room and I’m so glad I’m your date!
Thank you everyone, for including me. You are spectacular! My heart is full and tomorrow is the last day of 12 Days of White Christmas, and the first of 4 Magical Nights!
If you want to get to know more inside scoop, more behind-the-scenes, and more of my thoughts on re-connecting with my theatre family – follow along on Instagram @huckstogive, with the Musical Comedy Guild on Facebook, and on SooToday’s new SPACES!