By Amber Rubio
Tuacahn Center for the Arts once again opens the doorway in to an enchanted land with Fairy Tale Christmas. This is the second year of production, with hopefully many more to come, and each year there is a new little twist put on the story. The show is in the indoor theater and runs just around an hour and a half. The show itself was very interactive as the characters address the audience, bringing you into the story. The surprises continue from the minute the curtain opens clear until the last notes are sung.
M Scott McLean and Michael McLean co-wrote this magical musical first published as a book in 2014. The story takes us through a wild ride of evil verses good as the villains of popular fairytales plot to kidnap Santa in hopes of rewriting their stories and ending “happily ever after”. This show has an amazingly talented cast of seven. They change roles and costumes as the story plays out with songs as diverse as the characters themselves. This show has something for everyone from ballads, to upbeat Christmas songs, and even rap for the young at heart.
Garyon Judon plays the role of Barnaby (as well as Santa, Magic Mirror, and Harold the Herald), the tavern owner that helps to guide us through the show. His charisma is so evident from the moment he bellows out his warm greetings and continue to please as he sings his way into your heart throughout the show with his range of diverse song genres.
Blair Alexis Brown (Agatha, Sleeping Beauty, and Singing Elf), Hannah Record (Drama Queen, Cinderella, Telegram Stan, and Singing Elf), Erin Rubico (Mendoza, Snow White, and Singing Elf) and Matt Ban (Giant, All Princes, Larry Pinecone, and Gepetto) open the show as they share with us the struggles of being forgotten and misunderstood villains. Watching their dynamic teamwork both in plotting, costume changing, keeping all the characters intact with every change and musical harmonies is engaging and magical, as every good fairytale should be. They take us through all of the emotions from anger to sadness, happiness to despair, and laughing to sweetly touching.
Jordan Aragon (Rumpelstiltskin and Jack) is endearing as he struggles with falling in love while trying to maintain his evil side. Rebecca Brudner (Imogene, Belle, Pinocchio, and Singing Elf) is the star my daughter fell in love with from the second she spoke. Her sweet innocence, yet strong spirit, along with a beautifully clear singing voice is the perfect balance on stage.
The group behind the scenes on this show have every reason to be proud. Jeffry Denman (Director and Choreographer), Ashely Marinelli (Choreographer), and David Lamoureux (Musical Director) all choreographed a very challenging show as the cast has to dance, sing, and change as the story is being played out right before your eyes on stage. All of that is also achieved by what has to be nothing short of magic by Dustin Cross (Costumer). The attention to detail in each costume is stunning–being what appeared to be effortlessly transforming as the cast moves from one role to the next. Brad Shelton (Scenic Design), Julie Ferrin ( Sound Design), Alexa Hamblin (Prop Master), Wes Hamblin (Technical Director), and Jonathan Infante (Projections Designer) really put together a transportation into Fairytale Land. The scenes wrap around the sides of the theater, really making you feel like you were in the story rather than just an observer looking in.
This show once again demonstrates why Tuacahn has become a theater associated with high expectations in the theater world. A Fairytale Christmas will not disappoint and it is easy to see why this has become a family tradition for so many people. It is a fantastic way to kick off the Christmas season with something new and fresh while still keeping in place with the Christmas spirit. This is a great show for all ages 3+.
Tuacahn Center for the Arts presents A Fairy Tale Christmas by M Scott McLean and Michael McLean
Tuacahn’s Hafen Theater, 11100 Tuacahn, Ivins, UT 84738
November 29-December 22: Monday-Saturday, 7:30 PM, matinees Friday-Saturday 3:00 PM
Tickets: $29-$44
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