Emerson Theater Collaborative
Emerson Presents a Holiday Journey with David Sedaris’ “Holidays on Ice”
The Emerson Theater Collaborative is set to stage David Sedaris’ “Holidays on Ice” at Verde Valley School, with performances scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 29 and 30, and a matinee at 2 p.m. on December 1.
This production offers a unique perspective on the holiday season. Director Camilla Ross emphasizes Sedaris’ ability to address the complexities of the holidays, often laced with dark humor. “It captures the totality of experiences of the holidays,” she remarked, highlighting how the show reflects both joy and discomfort that can accompany this time of year.
Ross notes that holidays can evoke mixed feelings, pointing out the challenges some face during family gatherings. “I think it’s crucial to reflect all aspects of the holiday experience,” she said. The selected stories are designed to resonate on multiple levels, encouraging reflection on Sedaris’ wit and insight.
The production will feature dramatized readings from Sedaris’ “Let It Snow,” including four selected vignettes: “The Cow and The Turkey,” “Us and Them,” “Christmas Means Giving,” and “Santaland Diaries.” The highlight will be Sean Spencer’s reading of “Santaland Diaries,” which recounts Sedaris’ experiences as a department store elf during the Christmas season in New York. The performance will blend narration with engaging pantomime.
In “Santaland Diaries,” Sedaris humorously reflects on the decision to become an elf, marking it as an unsettling career choice. A notable anecdote involves his mother’s coping mechanism during a relentless series of snow days, where her drinking habits markedly shifted, providing a glimpse into holiday tensions.
The cast will feature both seasoned members and newcomers, including James Yaw, Audrey Young, and Sean Spencer, among others. Actor Joan Westmoreland anticipates that the mix of satirical monologues and physical comedy will contribute to a balanced and entertaining performance.
Westmoreland also noted his excitement about tackling pantomime for the first time, presenting an intriguing challenge in maintaining character without spoken lines. Ross confirmed that the focus will remain on storytelling, using minimalistic staging complemented by strategic lighting and sound to transition between scenes.
Before each performance, audiences will enjoy holiday entertainment, with the Red RockApella Ensemble featured on opening night and Sandi Schenholm performing before the Saturday and Sunday shows.
On the opening night, there will be a special pre-show event titled “Sights, Sounds and Sampling of the Holiday Experience.” This gathering allows audience members to mingle with the cast while enjoying festive treats and live music from Jeanie Carroll. Priced at $20 with a show ticket or $45 at the door, the event is limited to 50 participants, running from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Tickets for the performances can be obtained starting at $35, and further details can be found at EmersonTheaterCollaborative.org or by calling (860) 705-9711.
