The Shawnee Christmas Spectacular
Conceived and written by: Corin Hollifield
Directed and Choreographed by: Corin Hollifield
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* (www.theshawneeplayhouse.com) in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented their annual holiday production of “The Shawnee Christmas Spectacular.” It was conceived, written, directed, and Choreographed by Corin Hollifield. What the show consists of is a collection of Christmas related songs presented in a very light hearted and family friendly way. I generally don’t like this type of entertainment, but I found myself enjoying this show.

While there was defiantly an effort to be cute enough for family consumption, I found the performances avoided the temptation to be too cutesy for diabetics. The presentations of the songs and the choreography that often accompanied them were very well done especially since many of the dance moves were very intricate and require a more skill that’s often expected in this type of show. There was also the holiday treat of seeing the many familiar faces, which performed throughout the 2007 Shawnee Playhouse* season and being able to reflect on the plays they were in and their performances.

These memories were embodied in an ensemble cast consisting of Beth Ann Baker, Kristen Gehling, Christina Maslin, Patrick McLaughlin, TJ O’Connell, Michael Alan Read, Tom Schario, and Laurie Sutton. This main cast was accompanied by a Children/Junior ensemble consisting of (Cast A) Ariel and Marshall Hudak, Aubrey Haskell (also in Cast B), Sarah Bearisito, and Sara Principe along with (Cast B) Marshall Haskell, Jillian and Shannon Andres, Justin Quicksall, and Carson Pelkey.

As mentioned earlier, the Production was conceived, written, directed, and Choreographed by Corin Hollifield and Stage Managed by Rob Del Colles. Betsy Paugh served as Costumer and Drew Rienstra served as Musical Director while Markus Harris served as Technical Director. The set was built and painted by members of the Stagecraft/Design classes at The Arts High School in Newark, NJ. The Shawnee Playhouse* Executive Director is Midge McClosky* and the theatre’s Publicist is Amy Cramer*.

This production of “The Shawnee Christmas Spectacular” will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until December 30th. Tickets can be reserved by calling 570-421-5093. The Shawnee Playhouse* (www.theshawneeplayhouse.com) next production will be “Winnie the Pooh’s Christmas Tale” taking place December 1st through 15th. “The Shawnee Christmas Spectacular” is recommended for those who would enjoy light hearted, family oriented entertainment which they can actually enjoy.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.