KPFK to Host Three-Day Holiday Drama Special, CHRISTMAS IN TINSELTOWN

KPFK Radio's Arts in Review, Los Angeles's longest-running radio showcase on live theater and cabaret, presents its annual Holiday Drama Marathon, featuring the AIR Repertory Players under the direction of Irene Arranga, highlighted by the premiere of Christmas in Tinseltown by Julio Martinez, the encores of To All a Good Night: The History of Santa Claus, Dreidels and Donuts & The Christmas Eve Truce and the 13th annual concert presentation of Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales, featuring actor Al Alu. Also featured is the holiday music of Al Jarreau.

Hosted by entertainment journalist Julio Martinez, the programs air Friday, Dec 23 (2-3pm), Saturday, December 24 (6 to 6:30pm) and Sunday, Dec 25 (noon to 1pm), on KPFK 90.7.FM, streamed live worldwide on kpfk.org. Christmas in Tinseltown, takes a look back at early 1940s Hollywood, the making of the 1942 Paramount classic film, Holiday Inn, and the creation of the most popular Christmas song of all time.

To All A Good Night chronicles the history of Santa Claus, from his beginning as an obscure 4th century bishop toiling on the outskirts of the Roman Empire to the worldwide iconic figure we know today. Dreidels and Donuts, written by Lynne Kadish, chronicles one family's staunch efforts to celebrate the first night of Chanukah, despite a neighborhood blackout, burnt latkes and a surprise visit from one very unusual celebrant. The Christmas Eve Truce, relates when WWI combatants on both sides lay down their arms to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The great 20th century Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) wrote A Child's Christmas in Wales, a reminiscence of his youth growing up in the South Wales village of Swansea. He performed the piece on the radio in 1952, shortly before his death. The work was published posthumously in 1955. American actor Al Alu was a founding member of the prestigious American Conservatory Theater (ACT). He had performed in regional theaters across the U.S. and toured extensively in the critically acclaimed, I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking it On the Road. Mr. Alu's performance is underscored by Koto Keys (keyboardist Marilyn Harris and Japanese harp virtuoso Mara Purl). A Child's Christmas in Wales was recorded by the Al Alu in 2003 at the studios of KPFK. Al Alu passed away on December 3, 2014; but the airing Alu's performance of this Dylan Thomas classic will continue to air as an annual Arts in Review Christmas Day tradition.

The AIR Repertory Players features the talents of Irene Arranga, Al Alu, Linnea Liu Dakin, Kevin Delaney, Lauri Fraser, James Hardie, James Hayworth, Richard Heft, Kayla Kalisz, Cullen Kirkland, Carol Kline, Maura Knowles, Ed Krieger, Richard M. Johnson, Lauren Lewis, Emma Maurer, Eli Okum, Gigi Perreau and Nicholas Read. Other Arts in Review radio dramatizations include Che and Allen, All is Calm, All is Bright, The Nutcracker's Journey, Keeping Christmas Well, O Henry's The Gift of the Magi and Mark Twain's The Diary of Adam and Eve.

Broadcasting since 1987, Arts in Review regularly airs Fridays at 2pm, over KPFK (90.7FM), Pacifica Radio for the Greater Los Angeles area, in Santa Barbara (98.7FM) and streamed live around the world on kpfk.org. For further information contact Julio Martinez at 818-648-6128 or online: julio@juliomartinez.net.

Pictured: "Christmas in Tinseltown" recording (Lto R) Irene Arranga (director), Mark Torres (editor), actors Ed Kirieger and Linnea Liu Dakin.

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