The next show coming to the Renaissance stage might be equal parts naughty and nice. The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical takes place under the big red curtain of the Renaissance this weekend.
The show is directed by Michael Thomas, artistic director at the Renaissance Theater, and is a sequel to the 2011 off-Broadway hit “The Great American Trailer Park Musical.” Thomas said the show enjoyed an enthusiastic response to its performance in Mansfield and that gave the theater a reason to pick up the sequel.
“When we heard there was a sequel and that it was a Christmas show we thought that it would be a good fit for us,” said Thomas.
The plot is set in Armadillo Acres. The park known as “Florida’s most notorious trailer park,” is back and the residents are determined to win a holiday decorating contest from Mobile Homes and Gardens Magazine. However, the Scrooge-like behavior of Darlene threatens the whole park’s hopes until a chance electric accident alters her mindset. The colorful cast explodes into a funny quest to bring home the coveted prize before Darlene’s newly found Christmas spirit runs out.
“It’s not your typical Christmas show – putting it mildly,” said actor Colton Penwell. “It does have very real moments … really real, sincere moments, and then [they are] just blasted out of the water by some of the craziest stuff you’ve ever seen. But you grow attached to the characters.”
“It’s as light as anything. It’s just funny and entertaining,” added Thomas. While the show has been well received, the director cautioned that it contains adult humor and material that is more suitable for mature audiences.
A few theater goers will be able to get within feet of the performance. Thomas noted that the theater will bring chairs onstage, something they have been doing for several shows now to better involve the audience in shows that might benefit from a more intimate audience experience.
The cast of six is comprised entirely of local and regional talent. It features Penwell as Jackie Boudreuax, Ryan Shreve as Rufus Jeter, Harmoni Marii as Linoleum, Brittany Schock as Pickles, Madeline Beer as Darlene, Jennifer Enskat as Betty.
The show is a departure from traditional Christmas shows with perhaps a nod to “A Christmas Carol” within its plot. Actors noted that it contains a mix of mirth, madness and meaningfulness that could explain positive reviews.
Even though the characters and situations are sometimes overblown for comedic effect, Beer said, “There’s still honesty in all of these characters and you can see that in everyone’s performances and in the script as well.”
“Absolutely, We’re not making fun. These characters are all targets for parody and satire,” said Thomas. “I think what Maddie said is true, they’re all human beings. All these people are characters but they’re also human beings. So.. you’re not just standing back, pointing a finger and saying ‘Oh look how stupid these people are’ – no matter how contrived the situation is.”
Local Talent: “We’ve been lucky that we have actors that are very, very versatile and can play a lot of different roles,” said Thomas of local talent at the Renaissance. He noted that many cast members have the ability to both act and sing.
“People that typically attend [local] shows come to every show. So if you’re in multiple shows, you’re going to see people and they’re going to get to know you as an actor,” said Beer. “And then seeing them outside -because this is a very small community – it’s always interesting to talk to them and get their experience from an audience’s perspective,” she said.
Role Reprisal: Attendees to the 2011 show in Mansfield will note three familiar faces in the 2014 sequel in Enskat, Beer and Marii. Beer will be playing a new character in Darlene, while Enskat and Marii will reprise their former roles.
Showtimes: This is a two weekend event. Opening weekend is Nov. 14 and 15, both at 8 p.m. Second weekend is Nov 21 and 22, both at 8 p.m.
Single Tickets: All seats are $30. Seating is on the stage and extremely limited.
Doors: Doors open one hour prior to curtain.
Age Considerations: For mature audiences due to language and adult situations.
Tickets: Full event details and ticket purchases can be found here.
