THEATRE NOVA PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
I’M STREAMING OF AN ALRIGHT CHRISTMAS
by CARLA MILARCH and R MACKENZIE LEWIS
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Dec. 19-27, 2020
“I’m Streaming of an Alright Christmas” will be performed live on Zoom from Dec. 19 through Dec. 27, 2020. Showtimes are 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturdays (Dec. 19 and 26); 5:00 pm on Sundays (Dec. 20 and 27); and 7:00 pm on Wed., Dec. 23 and Thurs. Dec. 24.
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It's the week before Christmas, 2020. The reindeer are on strike; the Elves haven’t made any toys; and Santa can't figure out the darn "Unmute" button. And it's all because of the evil Rona Monster menacing the North Pole. Will the Elves save Christmas? Will Rudolph fly again? This year, Theatre NOVA presents a socially distant panto performed live on Zoom (no mask required). Audiences can expect an interactive, fun and much-needed escape for the whole family this holiday season! Co-directed by Carla Milarch and R. MacKenzie Lewis, with music direction by R. MacKenzie
Lewis, “I’m Streaming of an Alright Christmas” features David Moan, Mike Sandusky (DJ WHITTINGTON’S KOOL KAT) and Monica Spencer. The design team includes Monica Spencer (scenic design), Carla Milarch (costume design), Becky Fox (properties), and Briana O’Neal (stage manager).
PULP: Arts Around Ann Arbor
ZOOM-O: THEATRE NOVA'S "I’M STREAMING OF AN ALRIGHT CHRISTMAS" BRINGS PANTO TO YOUR SCREENS
“Pantomime, or panto, is a form of audience participatory musical comedy theater developed in England that has become a beloved part of the Christmas and New Year season in many parts of the English-speaking world. There are songs, dances, and gags galore. Theatre NOVA proudly carries on this tradition right here in Ann Arbor.
I was impressed by these four different ways of encouraging the audience to engage with the performance. Many of us have been passive screen viewers this year. Theater NOVA’s use of technology to not only continue to reach their audience but invite us to become involved was clever and fun. I could hear and chat with my fellow audience members even though we couldn’t see each other. (In fact, the chat feature was a bonus because, ordinarily, I would never talk with my neighbors during a live show.)
Since I’m Streaming of an Alright Christmas depends on surprises and gags, I don't want to say too much more. But rest assured, this is a family-friendly performance that is great for kids of all ages, including us kids at heart."
Great Audience Feedback:
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"Just finished watching this year's Panto and have to say IT WAS THE BEST ONE EVER!! I thought it might be a dud because of the Zoom format but it was GREAT! Just delightful! Excellent, clever, creative! Thanks for bringing Christmas joy into my uneventful Christmas!!"
"We really enjoyed the show. I have two grandaughters: 13, and 17 and thought they might be a little too old for it, but they got into the yelling, throwing candy, dancing, etc. The adult enjoyed the rather subtle undertones of more sarcastic remarks and irony!"
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"This show was just the pick-me-up we needed! The creativity of the entire show was incredible! Loved the mini-set and the outdoor filming!"
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"I thought it was one of the best Pantos. I loved the miniature city and I'm showing my age when I say the part moving the furniture by the fireplace and curling up for the story looked a lot like The Friendly Giant."
Reel Roy Reviews
“We may be essential workers but we aren’t expendable.” Theatre Nova’s “I’m Streaming of an ALRIGHT Christmas”
“Ann Arbor’s Theatre Nova has reimagined its annual holiday panto tradition for this new era with sublime results. I’m Streaming of an ALRIGHT Christmas is, intentionally or not, a delightful throwback to children’s variety shows of the 1980s like Pee Wee’s Playhouse or Pryor’s Place. Written by Carla Milarch and and R MacKenzie Lewis (who serves double duty as music director), the free-wheeling hour (just the right length!) features multi-talented David Moan, Mike Sandusky, Monica Spencer, and Charles the Puppy, with a cameo performance by a famous mystery guest (clue: “fairy ex machina”).
The script is loaded with zany references that both adults and children will enjoy, not shying away from a political pot shot or two. And the daffy and delightful musical numbers are plentiful... Moan shines in a “Bring Him Home” moment that not only captures his soaring vocals and incredible musicality but also his deft comic timing.
The show is winsome and sweet and nicely avails itself of the interactivity that the Zoom platform provides. There are many moments for the kids to get involved, kind of a 21st-century version of clapping to bring Tinker Bell back to life. This show is well worth your time not to mention your investment in supporting one of our most creative local theater companies.