Christmas Favorites Now Playing

Christmas Favorites Now Playing
by Lisa Hummel

Once again, MiShar Productions is offering a varied selection of heart-warming Christmas favorites for audiences throughout Central Pennsylvania.

The productions, "Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus," "Scrooge, The Musical," and "An O. Henry Christmas" are crowd pleasers — and definite favorites of MiShar’s Sharon Hillegas, who had a hand in providing a contemporary twist to the holiday legends. By adding music to the traditional versions of the productions, MiShar brought life to creations that have long been a mainstay in the theatrical world, albeit spoken.

"I grew up as a child liking the story of "Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus"… and the musical version was never done," said Hillegas. So, with that in mind, she contacted the producers of the TV movie and created a world premiere musical that is currently playing at York’s Dinner Theater at Wisehaven. The local production of the famed story, which is based on Virginia O’Hanlon’s 1897 question to the New York Sun, has brought such rave reviews as a musical that the producer of the network movie traveled from Los Angeles to attend the premiere on November 17. "It’s fresh," said Hillegas, explaining the performance’s draw. "It has never been done."

In addition to "Virginia," "Scrooge" and "O. Henry" are also musical derivations of the holiday classics — and they are all very family oriented. "They all say something different," Hillegas noted, adding that each of the production numbers has "a more internal message regarding the true meaning of Christmas."

Hillegas also found it ironic that with such a holiday-oriented lineup none of the three shows feature a Christmas tree. "There are no decorated Christmas trees on our sets," she said, noting that, instead of concentrating on the commercialism and décor of the holidays, these shows explore "what really is in the heart of people for Christmas time … which is what it’s is all about."

MiShar’s production of "Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus" will play at the Dinner Theater at Wisehaven in York until December 21. The show is offered dinner theater style — buffet and show. Ticket prices are $27.50 for matinees and $31 for evenings for adults; $18 for children.

"Scrooge, the Musical" will play at Inn Dillsburg Friday nights and Sunday afternoons through December 19 in dinner theater style. Tickets are $24.

"An O. Henry Christmas" will play at Studio 201 in New Cumberland the weekends of December 10 and 17, with a show only. Tickets are $15.

Reservations are suggested for all shows as seating is limited. For information, or to make reservations, call 774-4315 or 1-877-421-0000.