Christmas bells rang for Donna Browne in the summer on days when Mother Nature could have wrung the humidity right out of the air.
“Preparing a holiday show is kind of like working in retail,” Brown said. “You’ve got to start planning early.”
So, in June when the only ice was what was in her drink, she began piecing together her Lasting Impressions senior theatrical troupe’s annual yuletide musical slated Friday and Sunday at Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey St. in Columbus. At press time, more than 100 tickets already had been sold for Friday’s performance, with plenty of room for more attendees.
This year’s version is “Come! White Christmas, Come!” featuring no fewer than five Irving Berlin numbers beyond the obligatory title tune.
She always aims to make her original script and her song selection as meaty and tasty as the Sadie’s Catering food that accompanies the show, and earns its share of applause.
“What makes this particularly hard is that we do a Veteran’s Day show, and then right around start rehearsing for this,” Browne said.
In the past, some of the presentations have been popular enough that they hjave attracted full houses. But Browne carefully mentioned that she’s always been able to include nearly anyone who wants to attend.
Longtime pianist Ed Bruenjes is the troupe’s accompanist.
We don’t go anywhere without him,” Browne said.
Rick Thomas is handling percussion and artistic director Geneva Foster is coordinating more basic sets this time.
“We’ve purposely kept the props very simple,” Br0wne said.
For a Christmas production a few years ago, John Foster, Geneva’s husband, built a wooden sled for the production. Browne is grateful not only the 15 cast members’ time — they rehearse for three hours twice weekly for about a month — but also their talent. Apparently, the audience feels the same.
“Often, they have said to us afterward, ‘That was the best one you’ve ever done,’” Browne said. “And when they say things like that, I do think we feel some pressure to uphold our personal standards.”
About the show
Who: The Lasting Impressions senior theatrical troupe’s presentation of a yuletide musical “Come! White Christmas, Come!’
When: Meal begins pre-show at 6 p.m Friday and at 1 p.m. Sunday
Where: Mill Race Center, 900 Lindsey St. in Columbus
Tickets: $25, available at the center or from cast members
