'The Big Christmas Show' Debuts at SAC

Center Stage at Southampton Arts Center premieres “The Big Christmas Show, a Musical Radio Play” with a weekend of shows running December 8 through 10 at SAC.

Conceived and written by Joe Landry and Michael Disher, who directs the play, “The Big Christmas Show, a Musical Radio Play,” celebrates the holidays and radio variety shows. When a star-studded variety broadcast starring Tallulah Bankhead, Groucho Marx, Ethel Merman and a host of other celebrities forces the WBFR radio staff and performers to rise to the proverbial occasion, an unexpected heartfelt harmony occurs on this Christmas Eve, 1950. The new play with holiday music, in its first workshop performance, embraces several well-known Christmas tales including “The Gift of the Magi,” “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus,” “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and some rare unexpected songs and stories. Amanda Jones musically directs the production.

The cast includes: Daniel Becker, Salli-Jo Borden, Susan Cincotta, Sue Conklin, Kieran Conlon, Vay David, Tim Ferris, Richard Gardini, Joey Giovingo, Tom Gregory, Amanda Jones, Tom Rosante, Michaal Lyn Schepps, Mary Sabo Scoponich, and John Seabury. The cast creates the station staff who unite in spirit, belief and hope on this snowy Christmas Eve.

Tickets are available at www.southamptonartscenter.org/live or by calling 631 283-0967. For discounted group ticket sales, contact Mikela Ryan at mryan@southamptoncenter.org.

Complete the afternoon or evening with dinner at Plaza Cafe, a three course prix fixe ($75 per person plus tax and gratuity), either before or after the evening shows, 15 percent off at Southampton Publick House or a $25 brunch on Sunday, December 10, at Fellingham’s. Proof of ticket purchase required. Reservations must be made at the restaurant of choice.

For further information, contact Michael Disher at mbentondisher@gmail.com or Christina Strassfield at cstrassfield@southamptoncenter.org or Mikela Ryan at mryan@southamptoncenter.org.

Performances of “The Big Christmas Show, a Musical Radio Play” are Friday, December 8, at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 9, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 10, at 2 p.m. at Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton. Tickets are $20 ($15 SAC members) at southamptonartscenter.org.