By Ashlyn Grace Brothers
Two local theaters host Christmas themed productions during the month of December. Josh Harpell, sophomore theatre major, said he believes the arts play an integral role during the holiday season. He said it serves as a reminder to feel genuine emotion and become rooted in the true spirit of the holidays.
“The holidays can be hectic and it seems sometimes we can forget to breathe with how much is going on,” said Harpell. “When going to the theatre we have a moment to sit back and relax and be transported to a world that’s not our own. The arts remind us to feel catharsis, truest emotion.”
Elizabeth Jilka, UA theatre professor, adds to Harpell’s response.
“The arts can aid in the festivities and the significance of the holidays by bringing to life stories that are visual, musical, magical, joyful reminders of the importance of showing and giving love and compassion to others, and not just this time of year, but all year long. It is also about the theme of hope for humanity,” Jilka said.
One classic Christmas movie makes its way to the stage. “A Christmas Story: The Musical” will run at the Walton Arts Center as a part of the Broadway Series.
The musical received three Tony nominations when it first premiered in 2013. The play will run from Dec. 10-15. Tickets start at $40. To purchase tickets for the show, click here.
Meanwhile, TheatreSquared’s play “A Christmas Carol” runs through Dec. 27 with regular tickets priced at $52. Students can click “Under 30” on the TheatreSquared website and get $10 tickets.
Jilka plays Mrs. Fezziwig, Lydia (Fred’s wife), Charwoman, a Child outside a schoolhouse, a Poor Mom, and completes the Ensemble.
This isn’t Jilka’s first time performing with the company. She was in the first show ever done at TheatreSquared titled “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse” in 2006, then “Rabbit Hole” in 2007, followed by “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” in 2017.
Jilka tells UATV that TheatreSquared’s adaption of the traditional tale by Amy Herzberg and Bob Ford is full of surprises.
“It has a surrounding story that is weaved around and throughout it, as it begins as having been set in a library in 1843, a few months after the book was published,” Jilka said.
She tells UATV that the story begins with a librarian who sees a boy left in the library after hours. While waiting for his father to pick him up, the two strike up a conversation. To pass the time, the librarian decides to read “A Christmas Carol” to the boy. Jilka said the story unfolds before the eyes of the audience.
“It is beautifully interwoven as the characters come to life in the library through the boy’s imagination, including the library shelves becoming doors into Scrooge’s house, and the boy and the librarian actually become part of the story as well,” Jilka said.
All of the performances, thus far, have received rave reviews and standing ovations.
Harpall also helps with the production of “A Christmas Carol” at TheatreSquared. He said his role includes lending a helping hand wherever he is needed.
“My official job title is Run Crew which assists actors and production needs such as set pieces moving and making sure props are in the right place. From filling water to fixing set pieces I do it all. ‘Service with a smile,’ I say,” said Harpall.
Jilka loves getting to share her passion with her students and the Northwest Arkansas community.
“As storytellers, we are the vessels for presenting messages and themes that people already have instilled within them, but when presented in a visual and compelling way, they are more clearly understood,” Jilka said.