What Christmas Means to Me, an original production by the
Evans Children’s Academy of the Performing Arts, premieres Dec. 13 in the Poncan Theatre with repeat performances Dec. 14-15.
Multitalented Dr. Eddie Dixon, director, created the concept for the show, drawing on elements from O. Henry’s story “Gift of the
Magi” and from the television show Friends and taking a step forward from last year’s original adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
This year he and Assistant Director Evie Larson wrote the music and lyrics for the musical numbers, excepting the carols sung by the children in the music program scene. “It was fun to write the original songs,” Dixon said, “I saw Evie’s talent—she is good at words—and I wanted to see what she could do.” Larson wrote words and music for the number “Kidney for Karen.”
Kate Branstetter, who provided additional (and hilarious) lyrics for “Angels We Have Heard on High” and worked with Dixon and
Larson to adapt the production for the stage, said, “Eddie brings us all together. The kids love being onstage and putting on a production. It’s a lot of work but when the spotlight goes on for the first production, it’s all worth it.
“What Christmas Means to Me shows readiness to sacrifice for people one loves, forgiveness and that relationships with family are the most important thing. We have put our whole heart into this production of a relatable show with real situations intertwined with the joy of Christmas.”
Landon Smykil of Newkirk, who portrays Doug, “an overworked man who tries to be a good guy although under stress and is really caring,” said there are “ cute scenes with the little ones The show also has serious moments so there is a wide range of people to entertain.” Smykil is understudied by James Hiser, Ponca City.
A number of the roles are double cast, with Branstetter and Mallory Kyler, Ponca City, alternating as Doug’s wife, Karen, who runs a soup kitchen with compassion for the homeless and is devoted to the grandmother who raised her.
Ponca Citians Abby Garrison and Emma Valgora play vivacious music teacher Karmella, and Harrison Poet and Kaden Swords portray stuffy lawyer Marcus. Kira Pendleton, Tonkawa, and Ava
Roche, Ponca City, share the role of Bailey, the harassed mother of rambunctious daughters Kenzie (Kenzie Kyler) and Jaelyn (Jaelyn Stolhand). Bailey’s husband, wise-cracking Josh, is played by
Nick Kelly and Brenner McDougal, also of Ponca City.
Cast as Karen’s embittered, belligerent sister,
