A CHRISTMAS MEMORY

The Irish Repertory Theater Presents

A CHRISTMAS MEMORY

Based on the short story by TRUMAN CAPOTE
Book by DUANE POOLE
Music by LARRY GROSSMAN
Lyrics by CAROL HALL

Starring

SAMUEL COHEN, NANCY HESS, TAYLOR RICHARDSON, ASHLEY ROBINSON
SILVANO SPAGNUOLO, VIRGINIA ANN WOODRUFF and ALICE RIPLEY as Sook

Directed by CHARLOTTE MOORE
The Orchestra
Piano: MICAH YOUNG
Synth: JOHN DiPINTO
Percussion: ED SHEA
Musical Direction: MICAH YOUNG
Choreography: BARRY McNABB
Orchestrations: STEVE ORICH
Scenic Design: JAMES NOONE
Costume Design: DAVID TOSER
Lighting Design: BRIAN NASON
Properties: DEIRDRE BRENNAN
Wigs: ROBERT CHARLES VALLANCE
Casting: DEBORAH BROWN
Production Stage Manager: ELIS C. ARROYO
Assistant Stage Manager: KAREN EVANOUSKAS
Press Representative: COYLE ENTERTAINMENT

DR2 Theatre
103 East 15th Street in Union Square
(212) 727-2737 or https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/938481
November 25, 2014 - January 4, 2015; Opening Night – 12/04/14

Truman Capote wrote a short story about A CHRISTMAS MEMORY with his beloved Aunt Sook in Monroeville, Alabama. Duane Poole (Book), Larry Grossman (Music) and Carol Hall (Lyrics) adapted this poignant work into a musical. The result is a touching tribute to family, no matter how unconventional, and the roots that create our life’s foundation.

Buddy (Ashley Robinson) has returned to Monroeville where the only living member of his “family” is housekeeper Anna (Virginia Ann Woodruff). A nip in the air brings back memories from 22 years ago as he and Aunt Sook (Alice Ripley) prepare for their annual Fruitcake Baking marathon. Amidst the Fruitcake Weather, young Buddy (Silvano Spagnuolo) and Nelle (the young Harper Lee portrayed by Taylor Richardson) manage to get into mischief while Sook’s sister (Nancy Hess) and brother (Samuel Cohen) make plans to send Buddy to military school with the hopes of toughening him up.

A CHRISTMAS MEMORY is a sweet play. The storyline is enhanced by songs full of philosophy, and there’s a Fruitcake Dance that borders on precious. Ripley combines a simple innocence with a complex wisdom, and Spagnuolo who is onstage throughout most of the production does an endearing job as Young Buddy. The rest of this fine cast make their unique characters both individually distinct and an essential part of the ensemble. The story remains intact and meaningful. Does this work as a musical? I would love to ask Mr. Capote!

- Laurie Lawson -