Lamb’s Players Festival of Christmas Opens December 3 in Coronado

Southern California Holiday Tradition Features

New Script by Playwright Kerry Meads

Lamb’s Players is in the midst of preparations for the latest installment in its popular Festival of Christmas series.  With a brand-new script by resident playwright Kerry Meads, Lamb’s Players Festival of Christmas plays December 3—29 at Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado.

The series of Festival scripts, virtually a Christmas play cycle for the company, dates back to the company’s first resident season in 1978.  Faced with the prospect of producing A Christmas Carol or another oft-produced selection, the theatre decided to write its own original Christmas story.  The young ensemble had no idea how popular the unheard-of Festival would prove.  Twenty-five years later, thousands of individuals and families visit Lamb’s Players Theatre every December, knowing nothing about the story they’re about to see but the reputation the series’ name has bestowed on it.

Lamb’s Players various Festivals have been set in widely divergent locales and time periods, from a fairy tale kingdom to a 1950’s TV Studio, from the Renaissance to 1962.  This year’s Festival will mark the first year the traditionally nostalgic Festival will be set in the present day.  A poet, a preacher, an entrepreneur, and a wayfaring stranger unwittingly become neighbors in the midst of a downtown redevelopment.  Although the holidays are approaching, there is not peace on the block.  A delightful story of romance and reconciliation, filled with music of the season.

Lamb’s Players Festival of Christmas is written and directed by Kerry Meads, and features Sandy Campbell, Karen Daniels, David Cochran Heath, Tracy Hughes, Laura Montes, Warren G. Nolan, Jr., Cris O’Bryon, Rik Ogden, Chris Reber, Arielle Turner, and Pamela Turner.  Musical direction is by Vanda Eggington, with choreography by Pamela Turner.  The design team will feature scenic and lighting design by Mike Buckley and costume design by Jeanne Reith.  The Stage Manager is Esther Emery.

Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 4:30  and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m and 7:30 p.m.  There are additional performances December 20 and 24 at 2:30 p.m.  The performance December 24 is at 6:00 p.m.  There is no performance Christmas Day.

Tickets are $20 — $40 and are available by calling the Lamb’s Players Theatre Box Office at (619) 437-0600 or by visiting the Lamb’s Players website at www.lambsplayers.org.  For group ticket information call Brian Andrews at (619) 437-6050 ext. 21.  Discounts are available to groups, children 5-17, seniors, students and active-duty military.

* * *

Beginning December 15 at the Hotel del Coronado, An American Christmas is a remarkable three-hour event that takes place in the hotel’s beautiful Grand Ballroom.  The year is 1902, and as you enter the ballroom, 24 versatile performers take you back to the turn of the century for a festive family celebration.  It’s an unforgettable evening filled with story, song, dance, and laughter – all woven around a five-course gourmet meal.  An American Christmas will play December 15—29.

* * *

Lamb’s Players Theatre is one of Southern California’s leading performing arts organizations and one of only a handful of artist-directed Ensemble theatres in the nation. 

San Diego’s third largest theatre company, Lamb’s Players Theatre is located in the heart of Coronado, just a short drive over the Bay Bridge from downtown San Diego.  The theatre is within walking distance of numerous shops and restaurants, the Coronado beach, and the historic Hotel del Coronado. 

Lamb’s Players Theatre is a founding member of the San Diego Performing Arts League, a founding Partner of San Diego Art + Sol, and a Constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the not-for-profit American theatre.