WILMINGTON – The annual Peoples Bank Christmas holiday musical at the Murphy Theatre will include five shows this year featuring all new Broadway-style arrangements, costumes and sets.
“Our talented cast has been working since September preparing a spectacular show that promises to ring in the Christmas season with a high-energy, non-stop Broadway style performance that folks will love,” said Timothy Larrick, Artistic Director of the Murphy and director of “I’ll Always Love a Murphy Christmas.”
Sponsored by Peoples Bank, show times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10-12. Additionally, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13, matinee performances will begin at 2 p.m.. Reserved tickets are available online at themurphytheatre.org or by calling (937) 382-3643. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the box office prior to each performance.
The cast includes more than 100 performers, and will feature singing and choral arrangements by the Murphy Kids and Murphy Choir, both under the direction of Larrick. In addition, the show will include performances by The Wilmingtones, the premier choral group of Wilmington High School under the direction of David Beck; the talented Falconettes of Clinton-Massie High School under the direction of Jackie Anderson; The Murphy Violins under the direction of Maretta Alden; and the dance routines of the Fancy Free Cloggers.
The show will also feature an original composition by Canaan Martin about his Clinton County home; soloist Jasmine Curtis singing a Christmas lullaby; a comedy skit by Otis and Daisy; and an appearance by Ebenezer Scrooge.
The Christmas show includes new costumes designed by Diane Murphy, a seamstress, artist and wardrobe designer who works from the Theater’s second floor studios recently converted with help from the Wilmington Community Arts Collaborative. Choreography is being arranged by Cole Hough, an instructor with the Wilmington Performing Arts Studio. Becky Riley is the show’s assistant director and Gary Smith the set designer.
“The show weaves together the talent of amateurs and professionals to create a magical audience experience,” said Larrick.
