The cast of “The Christmas Bride in Concert”: Teresa Dyer, Chris Newcomb, Kelly Caufield, Pat Scully, Emily Bartley, Alan McLucas, Mary Johnston Letellier, Joel Crowley and Betsey DeGroff. (Cast not pictured: Aaron Engebreth and David Arthur Bachrach.) Courtesy of Snowlion Repertory Company
Snowlion Repertory Company returns to Freeport for a third time to entertain audiences at Meetinghouse Arts with an original musical holiday romance — just in time for Christmas in July.
If you are among the many people who believe “Christmas in July” is just a marketing ploy retail giants use to make more money, you could be wrong.
The 90-year-old tradition supposedly began in 1933 at Keystone Camp — a girls’ summer camp in Brevard, North Carolina. Campers would hang laundry bags as stockings, sing Christmas carols, decorate a tree and exchange gifts at the end of July — a tradition that continues today.
Snowlion Repertory Producing Director Margit Ahlin said she was anxious to deliver a musical that would “unite audiences” and decided a heartfelt Christmas concert would do the trick.
“The Christmas Bride” is based on the short story “The Battle of Life” by Charles Dickens, which tells the story of two sisters who fall in love with the wrong people. As these small-town sisters grow up and experience life in a new way, there are moments of humor, drama and self-realization, Ahlin said.
Due to limited stage space, the musical will be performed as a concert with some narration and dialogue. Ahlin said the stage will be decorated with garland and a festive Victorian Christmas tree.
The two-hour show features 25 songs with a cast of 11 who play 17 different roles.
“The holidays are always my favorite time of year because everyone invests a little more into being kind and slowing down,” said performer Mary Johnston. “I love that we are bringing this Christmas story to audiences in July; to hopefully inspire that attitude all year long. The story is charming; it’s all about allowing yourself to love and be loved.”
Performer David Arthur Bachrach said all ages will enjoy this show and those “steeped in English literature are in for a delicious treat.”
The theater company will perform at 7 p.m. July 8 at Meetinghouse Arts in Freeport. Two more performances will play at 3 p.m. July 9 at 76 Congress St. in Portland and 7 p.m. at 86 Townshend Ave. in Boothbay Harbor.
For more information, visit snowlionrep.org.
In a 2011 run of “The Christmas Bride,” Marion (Marissa Sheltra) and Clemency (Cindy O’Neil) extoll the comforts of “HOME.” Michael Eric Berube photo
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