Rosebud magically transports audiences to a Christmas in Wales
Welsh winter wonderland of nostalgic childhood memories celebrates family and tradition
Lethbridge actor
Mike Thiessen (sitting front left) plays Uncle Llew in Rosebud
play Christmas in Wales.
Rosebud, Alberta (November 5, 2009) – Rosebud’s production of Christmas in Wales is the perfect family entertainment to get in the Christmas spirit and be reacquainted with family and tradition. From singing classic Christmas carols, to sipping hot chocolate by a crackling fire, to listening to eccentric relatives and dozing uncles, to throwing snowballs, Christmas in Wales captures the simpler times when families gathered and entertained themselves with food, drink, laughter, stories and music.
Christmas in Wales runs from November 6 to December 23 at the Rosebud Opera House.
“Dylan Thomas has penned some of the most wonderful words ever written about a child's memory of Christmas,” says Artistic Director, Morris Ertman. “The story takes place in a house that is much too small for the uncles and aunts and nieces and nephews to fit into. So, it's cozy because no one has a choice. This is Wales in the early 1900s after all. And when a host of relatives get together without a television because such things haven't been invented yet, they tell their own stories and those stories are so vivid they seem like they're actually happening - at least to a wide-eyed young Dylan.”
“Carols are sung. People eat too much and snore fitfully to sleep because of it, then startle awake at the antics of small boys who have stayed awake, looking to play a prank or two. Kids wander through the streets and along the ocean, looking for mischief, wondering about the wonders they see in this Christmas-card setting they live in. And, they discover the most significant wonder of all - their own eccentric family, full of that mystical miracle that has held humanity together for thousands of years - love. And the love expresses as silly and crazy and poignant and eternal - so eternal that Dylan Thomas was compelled to write it down to share with the world.”
Based on the popular Dylan Thomas’ short story, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, this family oriented play is an adults’ warm remembrance of an old fashioned holiday; the time of presents, tasty treats and newly fallen snow. Featuring classic carols such as Good King Wenceslas, All through the Night and Deck the Halls, a few crazy uncles and seaside memories and audiences will be completely enveloped in this winter wonderland.
Christmas in Wales runs
from November 6 to December 23 (Wednesdays to Saturdays).
Performances are filling up quickly, so it is highly recommended to book your seats early.
To reserve tickets, call 1-800-267-7553 or for more information please visit the Rosebud Theatre website at www.rosebudtheatre.com.
Strathmore actor Stephen Waldschmidt who portrays Uncle Owen Thomas receives a group tickle during Christmas in Wales.
Cast and Crew notes: Nathan Schmidt, (Uncle Benjamin Franklin); Alysa van Haastert,(Aunt Bessie - Gwyneth Franklyn); Cassia Schramm, (Aunt Hannah); Leah T. Hearne, (Auntie Sarah Thomas); Travis Friesen, (Uncle Noah); Aaron Krogman, (Dylan Thomas); Steve Waldschmidt, (Uncle Owen Thomas); Mike Thiessen, (Uncle Llew); Rachel Peacock, (Welsh Faerie), Morris Ertman, Director; Bill Hamm, Music Director; Morris Ertman, Scenic Designer; Norma Roth, Costume Designer; and Becky Halterman, Lighting Designer.
Interviews with Artistic Director, Morris Ertman and/or cast members are available upon request.
About Rosebud Theatre – Celebrating the Impossible Dream Season in 2009 www.rosebudtheatre.com
Rosebud Theatre, about an hour’s drive northeast of Calgary, is nestled in the picturesque country hamlet of Rosebud, Alberta. In its 26th season, Rosebud is Western Canada’s largest rural theatre company. Today, it has an international reputation as a premiere Canadian destination for high quality live theatre. In the past few years, Rosebud Theatre has received multiple awards including Travel Alberta’s “Alberta Pride” ALTO award, the “Rural Tourism Champion” award and the Rozsa Award. Annually, more than 40,000 patrons enjoy the “Rosebud Experience” of professional theatre, complemented by unique dining, art galleries, museums and shopping. Rosebud is also home to Rosebud School of the Arts, a post-secondary educational institution that offers conservatory training in theatre and music to students, many who advance to perform in productions by Rosebud Theatre. Box Office: 1-800-267-7553.
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For information, interviews and/or hi-rez photos, please contact:
Mr.
Neil Bousquet, APR, PR, Rosebud Theatre (403) 256-8834 neil.bousquet@prwizard.ca
Ms. Heather Little, Marketing Coordinator, Rosebud Theatre (403) 677-2350 heatherl@rosebudtheatre.com