Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) presents a new holiday musical based on the most popular Christmas poem ever! Watch this classic poem comes to life with bells, toys, Sugar Plum Fairies and holiday delight for all in ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS playing, November 22 – December 22, 2013 at DCT’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts.
A Fresh, New Holiday Story for All Ages
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS captures the wonder of Clement C. Moore’s classic poem and is an imaginative, highly visual event for families to share and cherish during the holiday season. “This is a fresh, new holiday story for all ages,” says Robyn Flatt, director of the play and DCT’s Executive Artistic Director. “All the familiar themes of the poem come to life in the play in unique and delightful ways. Audiences will love seeing how the events of Moore’s family life become the story we all know and treasure at Christmas time.” Like the poem, this holiday musical spectacle will capture the hearts of young and old alike.
North Texas Premiere
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Based on the poem by Clement C. Moore
Script & Lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby
Music by Shirley Mier
November 22 – December 22, 2013
Performance Dates and Times
Fridays – November 22, 29 & December 6, 20 – 7:30 pm
Saturday – December 7 – 1:30 pm
Saturdays – November 23, 30 & December 14, 21 – 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Sundays – November 24 & December 1, 8, 15, 22 – 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Performance Dates and Times: Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm, except for December 7 at 1:30 pm only; Sundays at 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Ticket Prices: $13 – $4
Box Office: 214-740-0051
Tickets also available on-line at www.dct.org
Weekday Student Matinee shows also available Tuesdays through Fridays.
Performance Information
Enjoyed by ages 5 and up.
Throughout the run, enjoy holiday fun with these additional opportunities….
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN PREVIEW NIGHT: Attend the final dress rehearsal on Thursday, November 21 at 7:30 pm and pay-what-you-can! A suggested donation is $10 per person.
OPENING NIGHT HOLIDAY DREAMLAND: Attend the show on Friday, November 22 and experience extra fun one hour prior to the show. Be one of the first in line this year to tell Santa your biggest wish for Christmas. And Mrs. Claus invites you and a loved one to come snuggle up for storytime. Enjoy holiday craft-making, face painting, free cake truffles from Isabelly’s Sweet Treats and one free show poster per family.
THE MERRIMENT CONTINUES NOVEMBER 23, 24, 29, 30 & DECEMBER 1: Spend time with Santa and Mrs. Claus at DCT!
AND EVEN MORE HOLIDAY FUN DECEMBER 6, 7, 8, 14, 15: Attend a DCT holiday show on one of these dates and meet Mistletoe the Elf to request your very own balloon creation.
About the Show
Set Designer H. Bart McGheeon brings the time period to life in a historically accurate two-story home spanning DCT’s entire proscenium. Giant windows allow Clement to literally “tear open the shutters and throw up the sash.” Trap doors, a winding staircase, and a magnificent fireplace all enable the Sugar Plum Fairies and St. Nicholas to bring the magical elements of the poem to life. Sugar Plums dance by the children’s beds, St. Nicholas appears through the chimney, snow falls on carolers, and a sleigh with reindeer soars across the stage.
Beautiful songs and enchanting underscoring bring warmth and cheer. Under the direction of Vonda K. Bowling, a collection of outstanding singing voices unite, including Brad Jackson, Monique Abry, Deborah Brown, Wendy Welch, Johnny Lee, Ryan Thomas, Sheran Goodspeed Keyton, and Ryan Page.
The cast is rounded out with a collection of talented young people, including a darling ensemble of Sugar Plum Fairies with impressive dance training. Two Sugar Plums wear hats designed by DCT’s Hats Off to 30 Contest winners Paige Hounsel (age 8) and Hailey Duggan (age 6).
The Story Behind ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Up until that time, ideas about St. Nicholas varied considerably. It was years before Moore acknowledged authorship of the story that is largely responsible for a cohesive conception of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus in the United States and beyond. DCT is thrilled to bring this inventive interpretation to Dallas for its North Texas premiere.
The setting is early 19th century in Upstate New York, four days before Christmas. “The New York Evening Post” needs a holiday feature, and author Clement Moore has writer’s block. To add even more pressure, President James Monroe plans on reading it to his family at the White House on Christmas Day! Clement must work at home amongst his five children who are very anxious for the arrival of St. Nicholas.
As Clement’s frustration mounts, the wonder begins. Sugar Plum Fairies arrive and conspire to help Clement, magically leading him from one new idea to the next. It’s all interwoven with carolers, dancing, toys, family warmth and of course, a visit from the old elf himself. This delightful musical concludes with the complete original poem set to exquisite music and song with dancing and holiday grandeur that is sure to inspire nostalgia and joy for the holidays. “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
Dallas Children’s Theater
Rosewood Center for Family Arts
5938 Skillman Street
Dallas, Texas 75231