Although viewers are most often gazing at these three actresses while sitting on a hillside under a starry moon, now there’s a chance to see them in a far more intimate setting. Holidames: Tangled in Tinsel is more like a valentine to American Players Theater (APT) subscribers than a Christmas gift. It is broadcast virtually, right to one’s home. The talented women (under the spicy direction of Keira Fromm) undertake a veritable variety show of skits, songs, poems and even a bit of Charles Dickens to bring merriment to all.
Those who take a magical, holiday ride with this trio will share the joys of the season, which are in scant supply during these pandemic days. American Players Theater, like every other theater company in the world, was forced to close this year due to the pandemic. This is APT’s first foray into the world of virtual programming, and Holidames features some of APT’s star performers. Each actress appears individually on a Zoom screen during the show. The sets look homemade, and one wonders if the performers scoured their own closets to come up with the costumes. One can expect red dresses and Santa caps in some scenes, and even a Packers jersey makes an appearance. The charming makeshift backgrounds are filled with bows, tinsel and Christmas stockings.
While viewers may feel some warmth and nostalgia towards these well-known performers as they act, sing, and craft their way through the one-hour show, the actresses aren’t shy about telling the viewers that they, too, are missed. They seem extremely sincere, with bright smiles that light up the screen at the thought of returning to APT’s gorgeous outdoor and indoor performing spaces.
They all confess that – in a non-pandemic year - they’d probably be performing in productions of A Christmas Carol right about now. In a funny bit of backstage gossip, the women share some of their favorite things about appearing in Carol--and some of their onstage disasters (one of which required some quick ad-libbing). Sarah Day recounts her experiences appearing in the show at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. She remarks how lovely it is when The Rep borrows the nearby, historic Pabst Theater for the occasion. There’s something special about “telling an old story in an old theater,” she says.
One of Holidames’s cleverest bits involves grousing about the one-dimensional female characters Dickens creates. In response, Colleen Madden’s Mrs. Cratchit now appears on a broadcast blog (known as a vlog). It’s called, “Penny Puddings.” The vlog’s current guest is none other than Mrs. Fezziwig (Sarah Day), who is introduced as a “party girl” who can really throw one heck of a big bash. But of course, this being 2020, Mrs. Fezziwig had to put the brakes on all-out festivities this year. Mrs. Cratchit rebounds like a veteran broadcaster, reminding Mr. Dickens that she is hard at work expanding her identity.
Another highlight is a rendition by the three women of the traditional holiday tune, “We Three Kings,” which is sung as, “We Three Dames.” In the reworked lyrics, the women bless the wonder of Zoom, which allows them to come right into the viewers’ living rooms.
Some of the offerings seem best suited to having a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent dandle a child on one knee. The women breathe new life into the famous 1897 editor’s essay on, “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus, ” followed by an illustrated journey through, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
This show could easily become a holiday staple, and APT lovers won’t want to miss it.
