Mounting two theatrical productions in repertory is an exhilarating juggling act. For the past few weeks, Merely Players has been taking on the ambitious challenge of bringing together two plays to run in tandem at Merely Underground. It’s a venture that is keeping our theater buzzing with excitement, energy and the occasional dose of controlled chaos.
Tag-teaming is the heartbeat of repertory theater – where two distinct productions share a single stage, alternating performances and creating a dynamic experience for both performers and audiences. Rehearsals are a finely tuned dance. As one cast and crew finish their work, the other team readies to take their turn onstage. It’s an exciting challenge.
“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” is one-man show that reimagines the familiar tale through the eyes of Scrooge’s late business partner. Actor Geoff Johnson guides us through a tale of laughter, terror and renewal, as Marley sets out to open Scrooge’s heart and discovers his own. It’s a feat of storytelling and imagination, with a single actor relying on expressive vocal work and physicality to populate an entire Dickensian world on a minimal stage.
On the flip side, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” based on Kate DiCamillo’s beloved book, is a fantastical adventure that brings a porcelain rabbit to life as he travels across the country and through the hands of a colorful collection of owners. Puppets, props, choreographed set pieces and an ensemble cast of 10 bring Edward’s heart-tugging story to life, resulting in a visually intricate and wildly creative production.
The logistics of presenting these two productions in rep require precision. Between shows, the stage morphs from Marley’s haunting journey to Edward’s whimsical travels, as sets are swapped, lighting instruments adjusted and sound cues reset.
This repertory adventure reflects the heart of what we love about theater – bringing together a community of artists and audiences to experience moments of transformation. The shows feature two distinct styles of storytelling, yet they share themes of connection and hope, which makes them a surprisingly powerful holiday pair.
At its core, theater is about telling a good story. Whether you’re captivated by Marley’s redemptive journey, charmed by Edward’s resilience or intrigued by the story of producing two shows at once, you’ll find that these shows will enhance your holiday season. This December, we invite our community to join us in celebrating the joy (and, yes, the complications!) of theater in repertory, where every performance brings new magic to the stage. There’s something for everyone. It’s our holiday gift to you.
Merely Players’ Holiday Rep Season runs from Dec. 5 to Dec. 22. Tickets are available at www.merelyplayers.org. We recommend that you get on a waitlist if there are no tickets available for the performance of your choice.
Mona Wood-Patterson is the artistic director of Merely Players.
