The cast of A Very Merry PDX-mas. Craig Mitchelldyer photo.
A Very Merry PDX-mas has returned to the Broadway Rose Theatre stage after a six year hiatus. It’s a favorite show with Broadway Rose audiences because this lively and fun musical revue not only features many favorite songs of the season but also tailors them to local features and events.
With original direction and specialty material by Abe Reybold and vocal arrangements by Jay Tumminello, the show is directed by Broadway Rose artistic director Sharon Maroney. “This show has earned a special place in our hearts,” says Maroney. “We’ve called it our Christmas Card to the city of Portland and its surroundings….”
In addition to the plethora of regional references contained in the show, many of the songs in A Very Merry PDX-mas are just plain hilarious–take, for example, “Re-Gifter’s Lament”, “Shalom Santa”, and “Joy To The Burbs”! These are excellently balanced by “Paper Wings”–a Reybold-Tumminello collaboration–and other more serious renditions.
Blythe Woodland and Santa Claus. Craig Mitchelldyer photo.
Broadway Rose has assembled its usual cast of excellent singers, including Cara Arcuni, Michael Hammerstrom, William Shindler, Richie Stone, Malia Tippets, Tara Velarde, and Blythe Woodland. Comic effects are provided by Broadway Rose managing director Dan Murphy. A delightful children’s choir provides an added special touch.
Creative credits go to Billy Thompson, music direction; Dan Murphy, choreography; Jim Crino, scenic design; Janelle Sutton, costume design; Carl Faber, lighting design; Brian Karl Moen, sound design; Emily Rusmisel, properties design; Jeff Duncan and Seth Renne, production managers; Jessica Junor, stage manager; Phil McBeth, technical director.
A Very Merry PDX-mas is family friendly. It runs through December 22 at the Broadway Rose New Stage, 12850 Grant Ave., Tigard 97223. Get your tickets here.
Note: Broadway Rose has announced its 2023 season, with highlights to include Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’. Check the website for full details and dates!
