Ken Ludwig’s T’was the Night Before Christmas is a family-friendly comedy that engages the audience in a thrilling and magical adventure to the North Pole. This cast of six keeps captivating the audience character doubling, hip-hop breaks, sword flighting, and a farce chase.
The play tells a tale of Amos Mouse (Matt Sayre) and his best friend, Emily (Shealyn Sailors), as they journey to the North Pole to save Christmas. Amos and Emily’s house was missed by Santa last Christmas, and luckily they have the help of the Elf.B.I member Calliope (Dani Guinn) to get to the bottom of the case.
The play opens with Uncle Brierly (Christopher T. Miller) speaking directly to the audience, welcoming all “children.” This invites viewers to experience the play with a sense of childlike wonder and play along with the cast.
I attended the play with my elementary-aged children and noticed a wide variety of ages in the audience. The intimate setting of the Lamplighters Community Theatre was perfect to hold my children’s attention and I felt close with the audience members as we all participated in the call backs and chants during the show.
Together, the audience worked to help Amos and Emily get the nice list back from Sir Guy of Gisborne (Christopher T. Miller) and his sidekick Mulch (River Baig).
The cherry on top of the adventure was getting to see Santa himself (Thomas Jarrett), who embodied the professional yet jolly nature of Santa so much so that my children had zero doubts that it was really him.
The play concluded with the actors inviting the audience to the lobby for refreshments and we left carrying the excitement of the holiday season with us.
This play was directed by Jonathan Sturch and produced by Pamela Stompoly-Ericson.
The Next show, Of Mice and Men, opens January 9th
PERFORMANCES: Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. through Dec. 14
Tickets may be reserved by calling the theater at (619) 303-5092 or emailing us at boxoffice@lamplighterslamesa.com.
Please leave your name, phone number, number of tickets (senior, adult, student), and date desired. Someone will promptly return your call verifying your tickets.
You may pay for your reservation at the Box Office the day of your chosen performance or mail us a check and your tickets will be waiting for you in the in the lobby.
All sales are cash, check, or money order only.