AH
Alexandra Hemphill
  • Theatre
  • Class of 2017
  • Boonsboro, Md.

FSU Department of Theatre and Dance to Present "Coney Island Christmas"

2015 Nov 23

The Frostburg State University Department of Theatre and Dance will present Donald Margulies' hilarious and heartwarming "Coney Island Christmas," a holiday play for people of all ages and faiths on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, and Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 10 to 12, at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be on Sunday, Dec. 6 and 13, at 2 p.m. All performances will be held in the Drama Theatre of the Performing Arts Center.

Family-friendly activities will begin 45 minutes prior to the start of the show in the front lobby, where light refreshments by Chartwells will be available for purchase.

The play is based on Grace Paley's story "The Loudest Voice," which is about Shirley Abramowitz, a young Jewish girl in 1930s Brooklyn, who is cast as Jesus in the school's Christmas pageant, leaving her immigrant parents exasperated. As a now older Shirley shares the memory with her great-granddaughter, we are captured by the merriment, nostalgia and music of the era. Hailed by "Backstage" as "the biggest hit of the jam-packed holiday season," and "perfect for families," "Coney Island Christmas" weaves a beautiful and charming tale of what it means to be an American during the holidays.

Directed by Mairzy Yost-Rushton, the show features a large cast of community children and FSU students who will play a variety of charismatic and humorous roles.

The cast of FSU student performers includes Alex Hemphill as Shirley, Maureen Groff as Young Shirley, Austin Hueg as Mr. Abramoqitz, Willard Brewington as Mr. Hilton, Lucy Blumberg as Miss Glace, Stephanie Taubert as Mrs. Abramoqitz and Alexandra West as Mrs. Kornblum, with ensemble performances by Carl McManus, Madeline Peirce, Kenneth Waters, Jr. and Jasmine Proctor.

The creative student team includes James LaDow, lighting designer; Erik Braun, props master; Matthew Clark, music coach; Rachel Boch, stage management; Alejandro Portillo Romero, assistant stage manager; and Jennifer Grein, assistant director.

The cast of local child performers includes Milana Armiento, Ethan Kwok, Steven Ness, Molly Twigg, Ellie Ness, Sophia Brill, Donny Ness, Charlie Porter, Avery Samples, Penelope White, Marcella Aliyah Dodge, Emilia Porter, Spencer Samples, Emily Wilson, Guy Witt and Emilee Ritchie.

Tickets are $6 for children and students and $12 for the general public. Season subscriptions and group prices are available.

For information or reservations, contact the Theatre and Dance box office at 301-687-7462 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.