Silver Spring Stage presents a special holiday
show for the whole family, A Visit from St. Nicholas
or The Night Before Christmas by Lowell Swortzell,
directed by Ted Schneider. On Christmas Eve 1822, Clement Clark
Moore's children reenact the famous verse to convince their father
the joyous verse should be shared with the whole world. A
Visit from St. Nick will run Friday evenings and weekend
afternoons December 7 to December 16, 2007.
Silver Spring Stage is located in the Woodmoor
Shopping Center, lower level (next to the CVS) at Colesville Road
and University Boulevard. Ticket prices range from $10 for adults
and $7 for children. Performances are Fridays at 7:00 PM and Saturday
and Sunday matinees at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased
at www.ssstage.org. Information is also available by calling (301)
593-6036.
Though famous for his professorship of Asian and
Greek literature, Clement Clark Moore was also an aspiring poet.
He later became a professor of bible studies at the General Theological
Seminary; the building where the seminary stands was a gift of his
from part of his estate in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York
City. Moore claimed that it was his children’s request that
spurred him to write the poem that indelibly created the current
version of Santa Claus that Americans have adopted ever since. Previously,
there were numerous interpretations of St. Nicholas. The now famous
verse A Visit from St. Nicholas was first published anonymously
in the Troy Sentinel newspaper on December 23, 1823. Moore was later
named the author in 1829. Though a word here and there has been
made more contemporary, including the closing substitution of Merry
Christmas for Happy Christmas, the endearing image of a plump, jolly
figure with “his eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples
how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!”
continues to enthrall and delight children and adults alike for
more than 180 years. This stage version will likely enchant and
entertain audiences with its wonder and spirit. So, bring the whole
the family for a holiday treat to remember!
On Christmas Eve, 1822, Clement Clark Moore's
house is not as quiet as a mouse—in fact, everyone is stirring.
The three children (Melanie Jerome, Jacqueline Prosky, and Jonas
Ventimiglia) await the arrival of St. Nicholas; Mother (Ellen Snyder)
and Father (Roman S. Gusso) arise thinking they hear intruders.
Cousin Harriet (Tracy Goetz) enlists the children to copy the poem
their father has just written for them, which she hopes to have
published for all young people to enjoy. But Father, as a distinguished
professor who fears being known as a poet for children, burns the
poem so it can never leave the house. At first heartbroken, the
children unite to save the poem for posterity by improvising it
through a riotous enactment. How they convince their father that
his verses should be shared with children everywhere brings about
the hilarious, happy ending. And don’t miss the surprise!
The production team includes Andrea Spitz Greenleaf
(Assistant Producer), Brian Powers (Stage Manager), Andrew S. Greenleaf
(Set Designer), Peter Caress (Lighting Designer), Nick Sampson (Sound
Designer), Florence Arnold (Costume Designer), and Leta Hall (Properties).
The Stage's 40th anniversary season continues
with Seascape (Jan. 11-Feb. 3); The Cripple of Inishmaan
(Feb. 22-Mar. 16); Communicating Doors (Apr. 11-May 4);
Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean
(May 30-June 22); and Deathtrap (July 11-Aug. 3).
Silver Spring Stage is grateful for support from
the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County and the Maryland
State Arts Council. |
December 7 - 16, 2007