Interview: DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW Opens at Apollo Civic Theatre

This Christmas season, check into the Snowflake Inn while Dashing Through the Snow, a crazy Christmas comedy, opens December 11 at the Apollo Civic Theatre!

Directed by Jeff Wine, Dashing Through the Snow takes place four days before Christmas, in a tiny town in Texas, where a colorful array of characters check in to the Snowflake Inn. Varying scenes tell the different holiday stories of all the crazy characters. A brother and sister attempt to end a holiday feud between their aunts. Self-absorbed actors from a low budget "Christmas Carol" production return to the inn to fulfill a promise, while Mrs. Clause and one of Santa's elves attempt a romantic rendezvous right before Christmas Eve!

While putting together a series of varied Christmas stories, the actors enjoyed getting to know one another and their crazy characters.

"I enjoy working with the people involved in the process. It's fun to see and feel characters developing as we dig and stretch to bring them to life. I've truly enjoyed laughing (when not onstage myself ) as the other actors display their skills to share the hilarious work of playwrights Jones, Hope, and Wooten" said Becky Raynes, who plays Trina. "This is my first production with the Apollo, so I'd have to say the most enjoyable part for me is getting to know everyone and making new friends" said Alyssa Lucas, who plays Paulette.

"I enjoyed playing a character who is histrionic and vain. He is very different from the roles I've had in the past, and it's fun to portray the kind of actor that I would detest if I actually had to work with him as a director!" said Henry Becker on playing Ainsley.

"The most enjoyable part of the rehearsal process was working one small scene. You had the opportunity to work more intimately with one or two people, rather than a large ensemble cast. I also enjoyed the lighter rehearsal load since the play is essentially four one acts" said Richard Harner, who plays Binky

However, the cast had some challenges while rehearsing a show during the Christmas season.

"Putting a production together is always challenging and requires a lot of hard work and energy. That said, I really think this production has gone as smoothly as one could hope" said Lucas. "This role was challenging because my character speaks in an unnatural, florid syntax, which I found hard to memorize" said Becker

"The most challenging part, outside of learning of your lines, is really the time of year. Doing a show around Christmas is always wrought with challenges, especially if you have kids. There's so much to do leading up to the holidays. But that's the joy as well. I'm doing something I love, theatre, around the greatest time of year. So it all balances out in the end" said Joey Thorne, who plays Hoyt.

The cast is eager to share the unique series of stories in Dashing Through the Snow with an audience.

"Audiences should come and see the show because it is a good way to unwind during the holidays. Put aside the hustle and bustle for a couple of hours, relax, and laugh at someone else's holiday stress. We have a great cast that is just waiting to bring a little Christmas cheer to the audience" said Richard Harner. "You'll be guaranteed a great night (or afternoon) full of laughs and smiles with plenty of holiday spirit" said Lucas

"This show gives people a chance to take a break from whatever else is going on in their lives at this time of year and to just relax and laugh a lot as we do all the work" said Raynes. "Part of the joy for me is to simply entertain people. To take audiences "out of the world" for a few hours every night and hopefully bring them some happiness is a wonderful feeling that cannot be matched. Dashing Through the Snow is a lighthearted romp for all to enjoy around Christmas time" said Thorne

"Dashing Through the Snow is very funny and not the standard holiday fare. I love traditional Christmas shows, but it's refreshing to present the message of "peace on earth and good will to men" in a different way. The plots are outrageous but thoroughly enjoyable" said Becker

The Dashing Through the Snow cast also features Tami McDonald as Cuddles, Ronda Hayes as Donna Jo / Frankie, Kathy Bost as Ennis, Marjorie Christie as Della, Lauren Hugg as Lenora, Natasha Fields as Twink, Amanda Hartman as Honey Raye and Ellie Jones as Rhonda Lynn.

Dashing Through the Snow runs December 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8:00 PM and December 13 and 20 at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $15 for Friday and Saturday evening shows and $12 for Sunday matinees. Student tickets are $10 for all performances. The Apollo Civic Theater is located at 128 East Martin Street, Martinsburg, WV, 25402. Audience members are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item when they come to see the show. All donations will go to the Martinsburg Rescue Mission for men and the Bethany House for women and children. For more information about upcoming performances, please visit www.apollo-theatre.org

Photo Credit: Adam Blackstock

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