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A miraculous "Greetings!" at Stage 3
THE CRITICS SAY:
“One magical night” ….
The Union Democrat“Utterly moving presentation... 4 thumbs up”
Modesto Bee
“Brilliant cast makes it a must-see entertainment opportunity”
Sierra Mountain TimesMiracles can happen. Sometimes they happen in the oddest of places in the strangest ways to the unlikeliest of people. But miracles can happen.
This is the premise of the magical holiday comedy opening at Stage 3 Theatre Company on November 19.
"Greetings!" is quickly becoming a new holiday standard. It has enjoyed great success over the last few years across the country. What begins as a boy-brings-fiancé-home-to-meet-the-wacky-family story quickly evolves into something wider, deeper and richer.
"Stunning and touching… a comic jewel of a play…a joyful holiday lift." proclaims New York Newsday. The New Yorker called it "Hilarious" and distinguished New York Post critic Clive Barnes wrote " 'Greetings!' deserves a shelf life long after Christmas."
When Andy's girlfriend walks over the threshold of the Gorski household she has no idea of the kind of mayhem she is walking into. The fact that all the fuses blow every time someone plugs in the Christmas lights should be a dead giveaway. Andy's father towers over the household. A devout Catholic and even more devout cynic, he complains about the decline of civilization and speaks about the Depression, " We were so poor, we used to take the garbage out, then bring it back in and eat it again." He and his long-suffering wife have another grown son, the retarded Mickey whose whole vocabulary consists of "Wow" and "Oh boy".
Christmas dinner quickly becomes a comic shambles when it is discovered that the fiancé Andy has brought home is not only Jewish but an atheist to boot. Just as things reach the point of no return, a mysterious visitor arrives. A visitor from a surprising place with an unexpected message. To say more would give away the plot. Suffice to say that all their lives will change forever. It is thoughtful, funny and moving. Sometimes all at once.
Van Gordon, who directed last years' runaway holiday hit, "Over the River and through the Woods" once again brings his brilliant sense of comedy and pathos to this touching story.
Gordon's strong cast is a mix of Stage 3 favorites and new faces. Todd Thomas, Tom Silvers and Susannah Allatt return, bringing their unique blend timing and expertise to the production. Making their first Stage 3 appearances are veterans Sheila Gradison and Jason Lavine.
Costume design will be provided by Dena Mathias, Set Design by Denny Anderson and Chris Sutherst and Lighting design by Matthew Leamy.
This production is partially made possible by a generous sponsorship from Big Bear Roofing.
"Greetings!" will run at Stage 3, 208 S. Green St., downtown Sonora, from November 19 through December 19. Performances are on an expanding schedule. First week: Fri. and Sat., Nov. 19 and 20. Second week: Fri. and Sat. Nov. 26 and 27. Beginning Dec. 2, the show will run Thursday through Sunday. Curtain times are 7 pm, Thursday, 8 pm Friday and Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. Ticket prices are $12 Thursday, $15 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Senior Sundays are $12. Students always $10. Call 209 536 1778 for reservations and information. Visit www.stage3.org.
For reservations or information, please call 209-536-1778, or e-mail info@stage3.org.
