‘The Santa Diaries” Maine premiers at CCAC

Mon, 12/03/2018 - 6:15pm

Story Location:
804 Washington Street
Bath, ME 04530
United States

    The Chocolate Church is proud to present the Maine premier of a new Christmas Holiday show “The Santa Diaries” by Laura Ambler & Mala Burt. The show runs for 4 days: Dec. 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 15 and 16.

    This play is not to be confused with the “Santaland Diaries” which is a show meant for adults only. “The Santa Diaries” is a romantic Christmas comedy appropriate for all ages that beckons us back to old familiar Christmas tales. It interlaces the story and sentiments of a “Christmas Carol” and “It’s a wonderful life” into a funny, touching and current tale for the whole family to enjoy.

    The story is about a self absorbed movie star, Will Hawes, portrayed by Billy Rankis, who returns home to visit his dad, Sandy Hawes, portrayed by resident Peter Havas who has fallen off a roof and broken his leg just weeks before Christmas. Sandy Hawes is actually Santa Claus. Though he may end up being the last in the line of Santas unless Will discovers his calling. Christmas itself is in jeopardy. When Will returns he is accompanied by his manager and movie star fiancee who magically get stuck in Will’s home town due to a major snow storm. While at home Will is faced with confronting his dads wishes for him to take up the family business whilst also contending with directing his script into a new blockbuster movie. Additionally, he is forced to work with his ex-girlfriend, Jessica, portrayed by Rebecca Lewis, whom he left for stardom. Having been swindled into co-directing the annual Christmas play, his deeply suppressed feelings begin to surface. With his guards down, Will begins to hear voices; “the family Gift.” What will he choose to do?  Will Christmas be saved? 

    The entire cast is made of local actors, 15 children and 20 adults. This exemplifies the shows mission to encourage unique small town culture while exploring universal themes. It celebrates community and its ability to make an individual whole, while reminding us that there is a bit of Santa in of each of us.

    The show is being directed by veteran professional actor, singer and director Dennis St. Pierre.  He has worked all over the world on stage, screen and in concerts, but is best known locally for his portrayals of Jean Valjean at the Maine State Music Theater in 2008 and the Heartwood Theater in 2015. He recently directed the rock opera “One Way Trip to Mars” for Peter Alexander and Johanna Harkness at the Waterville Opera House. He returned to Maine after a successful career so that he could use the knowledge and experience he had gained to benefit the youth in the central Maine community. “It is my desire to give students the tools and knowledge for a successful life using the arts as their foundation.” He has an MFA in Intermedia Studies and has used this background to create a new arts educational program based on a curriculum created at RISD called STEAM. STEAM uses art as the foundation to teach science, technology, engineering and math. He incorporates the principles of this pedagogy into all of his work. He is currently the Interim Executive Director of the Chocolate Church Arts Center.

    Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door and $10 for kids under 12. The Chocolate Church Arts Center,  804 Washington St., Bath, has presented the best in community theater and music. Tickets are available at the box office 207-442-8455 or for purchase online www.chocolatechurcharts.org.