For the first time in 22 years, the Riverside Children’s Theater Guild will put on a holiday show. Written, produced, choreographed and starring Riverside resident Jeanne Sheehan, the original musical “Saving Christmas” is coming to town.
The plot of the holiday fare revolved around Santa’s sleigh crashing into an enchanted castle. But, as with most holiday shows, all’s well that ends well with the aid of a cast of 40 local thespians.
Cast members are from Riverside, Berwyn, Brookfield and LaGrange with many of the members being longtime members of the guild. Truly a family experience, Sheehan has her twin grandchildren, Cowan and Addie, appearing as elves. Alison Damore Bihun, an original member of the guild, will share the stage with her children, John (named after grandpa John Damore, the pro football player) and Ashley. The show is certainly a family affair. No stranger to Riverside TV (my co-host at the July 4 parade), Jacob Palka is cast as a mean old grump, certainly not typecasting.
The Riverside Children’s Theater Guild has showcased a number of children who have exhibited a desire to be on stage. Sheehan’s work with the children and putting on a yearly show has provided youngsters, and some “older youngster” the chance to entertain and be entertained. Sheehan wanted to do a Christmas show this year since there is not another local production and it would follow in the successful path of the Guild’s yearly productions.
“Saving Christmas” will be presented at the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, in Riverside on Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the door. For further information about the show or the Guild go to their website facebook.com/RCTheaterGuild
The Riverside Theater Guild was started by Jeanne Sheehan, who has written almost all of guild’s productions has been able to feature local talent and provide family entertainment in the area at a nominal ticket price.
Now, I could tell you more about “Saving Christmas,” but that would be spoiling things, so you will have to see for yourself. I guarantee the “ho-ho-hos” will not just be from Santa.
