Thankful for …

 

A Month–Not Just a Day–of Thanks

 

First Post of Week 5.  Thankful for

Holiday Musicals, Thanksgiving Company, Blog Tour, and WORDWALK Readers

 

by Alice Jane-Marie Massa

 

 

How many times can you visit MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET?  Well, at least one more time–if you are in the area of Fort Atkinson’s Fireside Theatre (the only Actor’s Equity dinner theatre in Wisconsin).  During the Thanksgiving season this year, I was blessed with more company than in recent Thanksgivings.  One event my company and I thoroughly enjoyed was the musical version of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, which certainly filled us with the Christmas spirit.

 

Since I have seen a couple of versions of the movie a number of times and listen to the broadcast of the old radio drama each year, I was uncertain if I would appreciate the musical version as much as other holiday productions in past years by the acting company of The Fireside (Dinner) Theatre.  Through some music numbers which were new to me and some delightfully familiar songs, the production grabbed and cheerfully held not only my attention, but also the attention of my guide dog, Willow, who did not sleep a wink during the lively performance.  (Yes, Leader Dog Willow, my Black Labrador Retriever, gave the musical production a four-paw rating.)

 

The few changes in the original script are woven into the story neatly and creatively.  A female actor’s portraying the role of the prosecuting attorney gives the play a more modern touch.  While devotees of the original versions will notice the few changes, these are not stumbling blocks, but add interest to the theatrical experience.  As usual, the professional actors of The Fireside Theatre display very well a myriad of talents–singing, acting, and dancing–in an array of festive costumes.  Also, as is customary for this theatre, the creative use of the stage and surrounding areas is remarkable.

 

At times, we laughed out loud at the humorous lines. Then, the  final scene’s being more quiet, tender, sweet, and touching than I expected brought a few happy tears to my eyes, as well as to the eyes of at least one person who was sitting beside me in the audience.

 

After applause and standing ovation at the end of the musical, the matinee audience was treated to the entire company’s beautiful rendition of a well-known Christmas carol.  I was hoping for such a finale by which to remember this wonderful performance.  Filled with Christmas cheer, many audience members caroled along–on 34th STREET.

 

Before show time, my Thanksgiving company, Willow, and I explored the holiday shops and bakery (all in the same building as the theatre and restaurant).  Beginning our Christmas shopping in these small stores that are filled with unique holiday items was fun.

 

Then, we relished a delicious buffet.  The meal begins with a wild berry smoothie; however, this appetizer is more like a small, tasty milk shake.  A variety of homemade, pretty pastries preceded the buffet’s main course.  Besides scrumptious red velvet cake (which we took home for a later treat), the dessert was an absolutely superbly flavorful ginger ice cream (which I would like to duplicate at home).

 

Having good company (from Florida and Colorado) and good weather (for November in Wisconsin) added to the special quality of this holiday event.

 

https://www.firesidetheatre.com

 

UPDATE ABOUT MY BOOK’S BLURB BLITZ TOUR

 

Since I am so thankful for all of my WORDWALK readers and followers, I want to share with you a little more about my blog tour, which began on November 20 and continues each weekday through December 8.  By visiting one or more of the stops (websites) on my blog tour, you can sign up to have a chance of winning a twenty-dollar Panera gift card.  Additionally, you can see how each of the fifteen bloggers displays the banner and other information about my book, THE CHRISTMAS CARRIAGE AND OTHER WRITINGS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON.  Today’s hosting site is at:

http://www.mixedbookbag.blogspot.com

Thanks to Jo Jones, a retired pilot, for her help in promoting my book to the many visitors of her attractive website and to her 347 followers of this one of her two blogs!

 

On November 27, I was especially pleased that a very high-traffic blog hosted my Blurb Blitz Tour.  By 12:30 p.m. (Central Time), “Mello & June” already had 5,567 hits just on that Monday, when the blog highlighted my holiday book.  You may still check out this hosting blog at:

http://www.mellojune.com

Thanks to author and blogger Kimberly Ranee Hicks for choosing to host THE CHRISTMAS CARRIAGE AND OTHER WRITINGS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON on her extensive blog!

 

During this season of gratitude, I am grateful that my book–thanks to the Blurb Blitz Tour–is being noticed and read by more people.

 

SHOPPING LIST

 

If you have THE CHRISTMAS CARRIAGE AND OTHER WRITINGS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON on your gift-giving list, you may order the print book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as other online sources.  For additional ordering information for the print, electronic, braille, and audio versions of my book, Please visit my author’s web page:

http://www.dldbooks.com/alicemassa/

Special thanks to each of you who has already read my book in one of its four formats and to each reader who has added my book to your gift-giving list!(The $7.50 print book does make a festive little gift for someone who enjoys holiday reading.)

 

POST-SCRIPT:  I plan to post more than one piece on WORDWALK this week, so please stay tuned to my blog.

 

As always, many thanks for reading my WORDWALK blog!

Alice and Leader Dog Willow

 

November 29, 2017, Wednesday

 

Advertisement