Harump-pa-pa-rum
We’re knee-deep in the holiday season, kiddies. Are your heart-cockles warmed yet? Is this just the best yuletide ever? Or has all that eggnog gone to the Queen of Humbug’s noggin?
Speaking of humbug, I’m curious about the Filson Historical Society’s presentation of Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” on Monday (noon, 635-5083). William McNulty, currently playing Scrooge in Actors Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol,” will read this story. It has something to do with fruitcake baking. How nutty!
I’m way ahead of you when it comes to Derby Dinner Playhouse’s “White Christmas” (showing through Dec. 31, www.derbydinner.com). You’ll come for the chicken, you’ll stay for … the chicken. Seriously, it tastes great. The Footnotes (the opening act) were superb, especially when they trotted out the special desserts and strawberry daiquiris for our dining pleasure. But why aren’t they called “The Footlights,” as in “Footlight Parade”? It felt like intermission at the drive-in.
“White Christmas” fills the bill as far as heart-warming stories go. Pandora Productions’ own Michael Drury is a delight as Ralph Sheldrake and the train conductor. All aboard! Talk about doing double duty — Drury was also busy directing “Arrangement for Two Violas” while rehearsing for this show. Hmm … Heather Paige Folsom has a nice star turn in the torchy “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me,” with eye-pleasing modern choreography. Even with the butt-numbing seats (you try sitting there for three hours with no cushion!) and the poor sight lines, this show is one of Derby Dinner’s finest, not to be missed.
Speaking of missing out, if you didn’t catch Floyd Central/New Albany High Schools’ incredible “Aida,” you can still eat with them at Floyd Central’s Old English Madrigal Feast and Celebration Friday and Saturday (7 p.m., 812-923-8811). For $30, you get a five-course meal with musical and theatrical entertainment and a concert by the Royal Court Singers following the feast.
Plenty more holiday shows are waiting in the wings, folks. Let that yuletide cheer wash over you. You can’t fight the feeling. —Sherry Deatrick
This article appears in December 4, 2007.