Jingle belles
Newport delivers Christmas cheer, radio play-style
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
It’s the holidays and there’s magic in the air. And once again, there’s live theater at the Newport Performing Arts Center. On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 17 and 18, the Red Octopus Theatre Company will present its annual Christmas performance, featuring “The Lutz Radio Theatre Christmas Show” on the Alice Silverman stage.
Directed by Cody Larsen and adapted by Darcy Hogan Lawrence, the show tells the heartwarming story about the final radio broadcast in 1947 of station KMAS. Things go hopelessly awry, spoiling plans to present a final show, so the station workers scramble to fill in for the actors and musicians.
Based on a script developed by the Orange Coast College Repertory Theatre, Lawrence updated the original version and re-created the show for Newport audiences in 2019. It became an instant favorite, dishing out spirited hilarity and wit, along with a heartwarming theme that make this a family-friendly production that’s perfect for the holidays.
In addition to directing the show, Larsen appears as a member of the cast. Nikki Paige, Jim Erickson, Jami Ivory and Joshua Lawrence are returning to reprise their roles, joined by CJ McCarty.
It is fitting that Lutz Radio returns to become the first theater performance since 2019.
“It ended up being Red Octopus’ final production before the pandemic shut down our stages,” Lawrence said. “It’s like a precious reunion for a community that has had to stay apart for so long,”
Other elements of the holiday show include music, a sing-along to “The 12 Days of Newport,” hot chocolate, cookies and Santa Claus himself. Local favorite Stacy Fischer will be the host for this year’s show and Lawrence says she will be joined by a surprise guest.
All proceeds will go toward Oregon Coast Council for the Arts’ capital campaign to help complete phase seven of the PAC renovations.
“I’m thrilled for Red Octopus that they are ready to mount this show.” OCCA Executive Director Jason Holland said. “This phase will make significant enhancements to our backstage artist support areas, as well as upgrades to the David Ogden Stiers theater. This will ultimately result in our ability to have more than one show simultaneously at the PAC.”
Holland added that the architects have drawn up some very exciting plans which will be shared with the public soon.
“We anticipate construction beginning in the spring,” he said. “We are grateful to Red Octopus for choosing to designate the Christmas Show proceeds toward this endeavor.”
A silent auction in the PAC lobby will also benefit the OCCA.
“There are some fabulous items up for bid, including local experiences, four-course dinners, original art, merchandise baskets, gift certificates and more,” Lawrence said. Some auction items will be available for online bidding, beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 15. For more information, go to www.coastarts.org/christmasauction.
Save $5 on the price of each ticket by bringing two food donations and purchasing in-person at the box office. All food donations benefit Food Share of Lincoln County.
Nancy Mitchell, executive director of Food Share of Lincoln County, says hunger remains a serious problem in the local community.
“Many people have to choose between eating and other basic necessities, such as medicine and housing,” she said. “Community support in the way of monetary donations and/or food drives allows us to sustain our programming year round.”
The Lincoln County network of pantries and supplemental programs provide food to an average of 3,200 people each month.
“Most needed items include hearty soups, low sodium and low sugar canned goods and high protein items such as peanut butter, tuna, canned chicken, or canned salmon,” Mitchell said. “We can accept fresh produce or bread, but not meat unless it’s shelf-stable.”
Masks are still required for all audience members and the PAC requires patrons to show a negative PCR test or proof of full COVID vaccination to enter.
The Christmas Show begins at 7 pm. Tickets are $20. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. The box office is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Friday. For more information, go to www.OctopusOnStage.com or call 541-265-ARTS.