2020-2021 Season

Wanted: Santa Claus

A hilarious holiday show for all ages. This play was performed Dec. 18-20, 2020.

Written by L. Henry Dowell

About This Production

Santa Claus has been framed! Now it is up to the elves and a special angel to help save the day from greedy department store moguls. They help Santa save the true meaning of the holiday season in a battle against Robo-Santa™!

The small cast of this show rehearsed and performed with precautions for the Covid-19 pandemic. The show was performed for a limited (distanced) audience in person, with the majority of its audience watching the performances shot live in three-camera presentation and streamed online.

Director’s Note

From the playbill:

This show is unlike anything you have ever seen before.

Before the show begins, I would like everyone to think back on those famous cartoons and stop-motion shorts from many years ago. Now, imagine those colorful characters all coming to life on the stage, and that is what this show is like. It’s fun, hilarious, and at some points, insane.

When Kenny asked me to direct the Spotlight Christmas show as my first-ever directing gig, I was ecstatic. It’s always been my dream to be a director, and now I’m able to put that on my résumé. I couldn’t have possibly asked for a better cast to bring this show to life.

Given the current state of the world, which I know many of you don’t need to be reminded of, we all need a break—a moment of levity. I hope that we are able to share that moment with you, with WANTED: Santa Claus.

Jack Taylor, Director

Cast

  • Santa / Robo-Santa J.R. Riddle
  • B.G. Bucks Gabriella Grasso
  • Crachit Emmy Boucher-Lange
  • Macy Emily Anton
  • Sam Ava Newton
  • Dr. Thingamabob Savannah Farr
  • Kyle / Child / Elf Luca Grasso
  • Announcer / Judge / Mrs. Claus / Woman Mia Hurley
  • Thesbie Zara Sego
  • Busbie McKenzie Lopezlira
  • Kirby Claire Calihan
  • Kathy Lee Getlost / Woman / Referee Sara Drago
  • Clarence Joseph Garcia
  • Mickey / Child Reagan Little
  • Little Girl / Elf Jaxyn Damasco

Production Team

  • Director Jack Taylor
  • Video Production & Direction Josh Hontz
  • Scenic Design & Animations Bobby Sample
  • Costume Design Audrey Wawro & Camden Wawro
  • Lighting & Sound Design Josh Hontz
  • Hair & Makeup Design Falin Ossipinsky
  • Properties Design Kenny Grossman & Vicki Grossman
  • Projection Design Bobby Sample & Josh Hontz
  • Sound Operator Zoey Waller
  • Light Operator Lucy Delamater
  • Camera Operators TJ Brumbauh & Ellie Little

Photo Gallery

Awards & Recognitions for This Production

2020-2021 ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence

  • Media Design – Youth Theatre: (Won) Bobby Sample & Josh Hontz
  • Best Overall Production – Youth Play (Nominated)
  • Actress in a Major Role – Youth Play: (Nominated) Gabriella Grasso
  • Actress in a Supporting Role – Youth Play: (Nominated) Emmy Boucher-Lange
  • Director – Youth Play: (Nominated) Jack Taylor
  • Hair and Makeup Design – Youth Theatre: (Nominated) Falin Ossipinsky
  • Fight Choreography – Youth Theatre: (Nominated) Jack Taylor
  • Rising Star: (Nominated) Savannah Farr
  • Rising Star: (Nominated) Mia Hurley