Coney Island Christmas runs December 1-23 on the Matuza Main Stage at Limelight Theatre. Nostalgia, music, and merriment — this play captures the timeless and universal tale of what it means to be an American during the holidays. A holiday show for people of all ages and all faiths, Coney Island Christmas introduces us to Shirley Abramowitz, a young Jewish girl who (much to her immigrant parents’ exasperation) is cast as Jesus in the school’s Christmas pageant. Shirley, now much older, recounts the memorable story to her great-granddaughter.
“This play, which actually features two complete school pageants within, has been a pleasure, said Director Shelli Long. “The children have been nothing less than professional and the adults are crazy talented and helpful. Something the playwright, Donald Margulies, wrote in his opening comments we’ve tried to live by: ‘Keep it simple and truthful. Don’t push it. And, by all means, feel the joy.’ We hope you feel the joy of this simple and truthful holiday play. Happy holidays, whichever you keep, to you and yours.”
The cast includes Daphne Moore as Clara; Evelyn Lynam as Shirley; Caragh Zeigler as Young Shirley; Larry Hession as Mr. Abramowitz; Hazel Robinson as Mrs. Abramowitz; Joseph Stearman as Mr. Hilton; Adele Lawless as Miss Glace; Ashley Herbert as Evie; Vivian Lampard as Mrs. Kornblum and ensemble; Garrett Wlodarczyk as Jackie and ensemble; Alexander Lawless as Ira and ensemble; and Jennifer Farrow and ensemble. Children’s ensemble: Molly Farrow; Ella Escamilla; Mady Pidcock; Addyson Pollock; Tegan Bracewell; Chanel Boll; Sidney Lagasse; Sophia Giannotta; and Camille Zeigler.
The Gainesville Brass Quintet will perform on Friday, December 1 during the Opening Night of Coney Island Christmas! Founded in 1985, the Gainesville Brass Quintet has presented performs light classics, pop, swing, musicals, and as well as serious quintet literature from the Baroque through the modern eras.
Show times are 7:30pm Thursday–Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee each Sunday during the run at Limelight Theatre in uptown St. Augustine. Free parking is available streetside and in the Limelight lot.
Tickets are $26 for adults, $24 for senior citizens, $20 for students and military.
Choose your favorite seats at limelight-theatre.org or call 904-825-1164.
