Special to The Herald



It’s said that the Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year. Judging from the laughter and music rising up from rehearsals at Sharon’s First United Methodist Church; that may be the case. 

Seven actors are presenting a new holiday musical and they’re having a wonderful time doing it.

The musical is called “It’s A Wonderful Night” and is titled as a tribute to the classic Frank Capra film, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Written by Los Angeles-based writer Luke Cowles, the comedy involves the shenanigans that unfold when six unlikely people get snowed in at a department store on Christmas Eve and have to spend their holiday together. Mysterious magic comes into play when a homeless man stumbles in from the cold, with a special message that renews their holiday spirit.

While the story is original and is being staged for the first time, it’s full of familiar classics such as “Sleigh Ride,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Santa Baby” and “Merry Christmas, Darling.”

The premiere is being staged in Sharon through a partnership of John Miller, director of the Holiday Players Dinner Theatre, and the Rev. Richard Roberts, pastor of First United Methodist Church. Miller has more than 20 years of experience managing theater organizations in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He spent time in Los Angeles where he appeared on several TV shows including “ER,” “Desperate Housewives” and “CSI: New York.” He’s worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Will Farrell, Adam Sandler and Owen Wilson. The Holiday Players Dinner Theatre is a new venture and Miller seems excited to bring both his Hollywood and hometown experience to Sharon.

“I have always wanted to start a theater based on the holidays,” said Miller. “Does anyone remember the old movie ‘Holiday Inn?’ It is the movie that served as the model for the wildly popular ‘White Christmas’ nearly a decade later, and it sparked the inspiration for this theater group. Given the excitement around the Sharon and Hermitage area about Christmas, I thought it would be a nice place to start.” 

Miller connected with Rev. Roberts during his time as general manager of Barrow Civic Theatre in Franklin. Rev. Roberts loved the idea of being part of an original show and offered the church so it could be done in Sharon. He believes the show, which partly benefits the church, can illuminate the Christmas spirit in Sharon, much like it does for the story’s characters. 

“I really think this show can be the shot in the arm the community needs to bring folks downtown,” said Rev. Roberts. “I moved here last January and I see the potential for a lot of great things. I hope this show can be the start of that.” 

Not only is Rev. Roberts acting as producer of the show, he’s also in it. He plays a down-on-his-luck unemployed auto worker who’s had to take a job playing Santa in the department store for extra cash. It’s a part he’s truly had a wonderful time playing. 

“I’ve played Santa several times throughout my life, but the chance to play it this particular way is even more fun. My favorite movie is ‘White Christmas,’ so doing this show allows me to be a part of something really special with a similar kind of message,” Rev. Roberts added. “I’ve also been touched by unemployment and know what it’s like to be in the place where my character is. I also get to do a terrific Elvis number and that’s great. You can’t have Christmas without Elvis!”

   

“It’s A Wonderful Night” plays Dec. 5, 6, 11 and 12. For evening performances, dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. with the show at 7:30. For the matinee Dec. 6, dinner begins at 1 p.m. with the show at 2. Tickets are $25 and include a professionally catered three-course gourmet meal. The matinee performance is discounted. Tickets: 724-983-0200 Tuesday through Thursday, 9 p.m. to 4 p.m, and Friday, 9 a.m. to noon.