I am writing this from an enviable position: front row during rehearsals with the Maysville Players. The theatre group is partnering with artists from across the region for “Seasoned Greetings” today and tomorrow at the Washington Opera House downtown.
The production features over 70 area performers bringing music, holiday readings and more to the stage. During the show you’ll see lots of Maysville Players favorites, as well as a few new faces. Add to that names like The Limestone Chorale, McKenzie “The Voice” Thomas, Harry and Ben Pedigo, James Clarke, Nick Denham, the St. Michael’s School String Ensemble of Ripley and Leah Frederick, and you’ve got an evening to remember.
Getting to see each individual artist perform is a treat. Watching them all, together under one roof, in one show, and you’ve got a holiday sensory overload of the best kind. There are songs and stories of all varieties, tied together with the bow of Christmas cheer. You’ll enjoy old Yuletide favorites, as well as new takes on treasured classics.
“Seasoned Greetings” is the kind of show that will instill you with the Christmas spirit, and maybe even inspire you to join one of the performing groups in future productions. My first show was a musical take on “A Christmas Carol” forty years ago, and I’ve had the pleasure of working both on and off stage with the Players ever since. Not to mention the chance to share the stage with many notable names from throughout the region.
One of the cool things about being in a production is that no matter what your skill level or interests, there is a role for you, either acting or working backstage, including set building, sound, lighting, props, costumes (as my Bride does so well) and more. Add to that the thrill of performing for an audience of your friends, and the experience becomes one that will serve you not only in theatre, but in your everyday life.
You’ve heard me say over the years how much fun it is to watch Producers Mike Thomas and Mark Funk stage shows at the Washington Opera House. Well, here it comes again. It’s not hyperbole when I suggest tickets could be sold to rehearsals for productions, and patrons would leave the event well satisfied. From Drama to Comedy to Musical Theatre, Mike and Mark infuse the stage with an infectious energy that quickly spreads throughout the cast and the audience.
This production brings out the best Maysville has to offer, from all age groups. Admission is $8 per person plus the donation of a non-perishable food item to be distributed to area food banks. The performance is sponsored in part by the John W. McNeill Memorial Music Series.
Give yourself and your family a gift that will last a lifetime: tickets to see “Seasoned Greetings, a Holiday Cabaret of Songs and Stories” tonight at 7 o’clock with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee at the Washington Opera House in downtown Maysville. To reserve your seats, visit maysvilleplayers.net.
