Christmas in Mistletoe Falls Digital Program
Thank You to our Show Sponsors!
Cast
(In Order of Appearance)
Justin P. Kent
as Santa Claus
Gwen Leahy
as Generic Christmas Movie Woman
Mark Poticny
as Generic Christmas Movie Man
Chris Stanley
as Dash Ingtrudasno
Valerie America Lavelle
as Mayor Joy Tudaworldt
Val Ziegler
as Carol Christmas
Sallie Just Sallie
as Ginger Bread
Ethan Goble
as Sheriff Yul Tihed
Hannah Dodson
as Mary Christmas
Pre-Show and Intermission Entertainers
(In Alphabetical Order)
Molly Alexander
Cami Nicole Hall
Toria Nicole Shaw
Written, Produced, and Directed by
Rick Garman
Music Supervision
Brandon Kaufman
Lighting Design
Erin Muller
Lighting Operator
Molly Alexander
Photographer
Travis Spangenburg
Set Design
Travis Harold Coles
Sound Operator
Cami Nicole Hall
Spotlight Operator
Toria Nicole Shaw
Marketing Director
Trey Norris
Don’t Miss Our Christmas Cocktails!
Set List
Act 1
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”
Ensemble
This holiday favorite was written in 1951 by Meredith Wilson, who is most famous for writing the book, music, and lyrics for the 1957 hit Broadway musical “The Music Man.” It has been recorded by countless artists, but the most popular versions were sung by Perry Como and the Fontane Sisters, Bing Crosby, and Michael Buble.
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
Mary Christmas (Hannah Dodson)
This ode to WWII soldiers was written by Kim Gannon, Walter Kent, and Buck Ram and was originally recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943. It became a top 10 smash and has gone on to become and enduring Christmas classic.
“Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”
Dash Ingtrudasno (Chris Stanley)
This novelty hit was written by Randy Brooks, nephew of performer Foster Brooks whose “drunk” act inspired the song. It was recorded by Elmo Shropshire in 1979 with his wife Patsy Trigg (Elmo and Patsy). The version in “Christmas in Mistletoe Falls” was arranged, performed, and recorded by Chris Stanley.
“Cupcakes We Have Baked On High”
Generic Christmas Movie Woman and Generic Christmas Movie Man (Gwen Leahy and Mark Poticny)
To the tune of “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Parody lyrics by Rick Garman, who is probably going to hell for this.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Carol Christmas (Val Ziegler)
A holiday standard written in 1943 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blaine, and first sung by Judy Garland in the musical film “Meet Me in St. Louis.” It was later recorded by Frank Sinatra with modified lyrics that became the standard. This arrangement was done by Postmodern Jukebox.
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
Santa Claus (Justin P. Kent)
Written in 1934 by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespe, this Christmas favorite was first recorded by Harry Reser and His Band, but when it was covered by Eddie Cantor in late 1934 it became an instant hit, selling 50,000 copies of the sheet music and 30,000 records within 24 hours of its debut on Cantor’s radio show. It has since been recorded by dozens of popular artists includng this version done by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in 1975.
“O Bake All Ye Cookies “
Generic Christmas Movie Woman and Generic Christmas Movie Man (Gwen Leahy and Mark Poticny)
To the tune of “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Parody lyrics by Rick Garman. He’s sorry (not sorry).
“We Need a Little Christmas”
Joy Tudaworldt and Carol Christmas (Valerie America Lavelle and Val Ziegler)
Written by Jerry Herman for the 1966 musical “Mame,” this festive tune was first sung on Broadway by none other than Angela Lansbury. This version was recorded for the hit TV show “Glee” with lead vocals by Amber Riley.
“White Christmas”
Ginger Bread and Yul Tihed (Sallie Just Sallie and Ethan Goble)
Another holiday staple, this song was written by the legendary Irving Berlin for his 1942 musical film “Holiday Inn.” It won the Academy Award for Best Song and was recorded by Bing Crosby. His version is the best-selling single in history, with more than 50 million records sold. The version you’ll hear in “Christmas in Mistletoe Falls” was recorded by Michael Buble and Shania Twain.
“Our First Fruitcake”
Generic Christmas Movie Woman and Generic Christmas Movie Man (Gwen Leahy and Mark Poticny)
To the tune of “The First Noel.” Parody lyrics by Rick Garman, who promises he’s going to get help.
“A Christmas Movie Montage”
Ensemble
Feauturing “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Jingle Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Blue Christmas,” “We Wish You a Merry Chirstmas,” “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home,” “Please Come Home for Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Joy to the World,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” “Last Christmas,” “Run Rudolph Run,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Holly Jolly Christmas.” Arrangement by Brandon Kaufman.
INTERMISSION
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Set List
Act 2
“The Twelve Days of Figgy Pudding”
Generic Christmas Movie Woman and Generic Christmas Movie Man (Gwen Leahy and Mark Poticny)
To the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Parody lyrics by Rick Garman, who really has run out of excuses for this kind of behavior.
“This Christmas”
Ginger Bread (Sallie Just Sallie)
This soulful holiday hit was written and recorded by legendary soul singer Donny Hathaway in 1970. The version in our show was recorded by Vonda Shepard for the TV show “Ally McBeal” and was featured on the 2000 album “Ally McBeal: A Very Ally Christmas.”
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
Mary Christmas and Dash Ingtrudasno (Hannah Dodson and Chris Stanley)
This holiday hit was written by Frank Loesser, the composer of hit Broadway musicals like “Guys and Dolls” and “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” It has been recorded countless times by artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Doris Day, and Bob Hope. This version was recorded 2014 by Idina Menzel and Michael Buble.
“Santa Baby”
Joy Tudaworldt (Valerie America Lavelle)
This cheeky holiday hit was written in 1953 by Joan Javits and Philip Springer, and first recorded that year by Earth Kitt. Despite some outcry that it was too suggestive for a Christmas song, it became the best-selling holiday single of 1953. This version was recorded by Kelly Clarkson in 2021.
“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
Yul Tihed (Ethan Goble)
This novelty hit was written by Tommie Connor and first recorded by Jimmy Boyd in 1952 when he was only 13 years old. This version was recorded by The Ronettes in 1963.
“O Little Christmas Chocolate”
Generic Christmas Movie Woman and Generic Christmas Movie Man (Gwen Leahy and Mark Poticny)
To the tune of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Parody lyrics by Rick Garman, who drinks.
“The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”
Dash Ingtrudasno, Yul Tihed, Santa Claus, and Generic Christmas Movie Man (Chris Stanley, Ethan Goble, Justin P. Kent, and Mark Poticny)
Probably the biggest novelty Christmas song ever recorded, this silly holiday hit was written and recorded in 1958 by David Seville and released under the name of his cartoon virtual band Alvin and the Chipmunks. Seville sang all the parts, using varying tape speeds to achieve the “chipmunk” effect. The song won three Grammy Awards includng Best Comedy Performance and Best Children’s Recording and was nominated for Record of the Year.
“Winter Wonderland”
Mary Christmas, Carol Christmas, Joy Tudaworldt, Ginger Bread, and Generic Christmas Movie Woman (Hannah Dodson, Val Ziegler, Valerie America Lavelle, Sallie Just Sallie, and Gwen Leahy)
This timelessly merry tune was written in 1934 by Felix Bernard and Richard Bernhard Smith. While it was first recorded that year by Richard Himber, a recording that same year by band leader Guy Lombardo would go on to be one of the biggest selling singles of 1934. This version was done by the acapella group Pentatonix and mashes up the melody and lyrics of “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin.
“O Ham and Cheese”
Generic Christmas Movie Woman and Generic Christmas Movie Man (Gwen Leahy and Mark Poticny)
To the tune of “O Holy Night.” Parody lyrics by Rick Garman, who has brought shame and embarassment to his family, friends, and community.
“Let It Snow”
Ensemble
During a 1945 heat wave in Hollywood, California, songwriters Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne dreamed of cooler days and this was the song that came out of it. It was first recorded that year by Vaughn Monroe and has been covered by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Michael Buble, Bing Crosby, Carly Simon, and Brian Setzer, who created the version you’ll hear in the show.
“All I Want for Christmas is You”
Ensemble
Mariah Carey wrote this song and it has become her most enduring hit. First recorded in 1994, it enters the pop music charts every year at Christmas and finally hit #1 in 2019 – a record for the longest time between a song’s debut and reaching #1 at 25 years. It is one of the biggest sellling digtal singles of all time, having been downloaded more than 16 million times.
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“The Christmas Song”
Ensemble
This lush ballaed was written by Robert Weils and singer Mel Torme, then first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946. The first version of the song was stripped down and didn’t resonate, but Cole had it re-recorded with a string section and it became a major hit. He recorded it again in 1953 with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and again in 1961.
Text here.
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
Ensemble
Written by Edward Pola and George Wyle in 1963, this cherry Christmas classic was recorded that year by Andy Williams, however it was not released as a single. It has become more popular in the 2000s, charting almost every year and reaching #5 in 2020.
The Cast
Hannah Dodson as Mary Christmas
Hannah Dodson is a local vocalist and actress that’s currently finishing up her BA of Theatre at Georgia Southern University. As a long time member of the Savannah Cabaret, Hannah is so thankful to continue to perform on the Club One stage! Some of her most recent credits include Grease (The Savannah Theatre), Elf: The Musical (The Savannah Theatre), The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (GSU), Love Songs/Love Stories 2, and multiple Savannah Cabaret productions!
Ethan Goble as Sheriff Yul Tihed
Justin P. Kent as Santa Claus
Justin has been in Savannah for 20+ years, and lives here with his beautiful wife, Valerie, and wonderful son, Logan! He is the co-founder of Odd Lot Improv, which has been performing in Savannah for over a decade. His most recent and favorite stage role was Don Quixote in Man Of La Mancha at the Asbury Theater. He can also be seen in all Tenacious Theatrics Productions online at tenacioustheatrics.com. He also has regular pictures of him drinking coffee on his instagram: @grandmoffjustin
Valerie America Lavelle as Mayor Joy Tudaworldt
Gwen Leahy as Generic Christmas Movie Woman
Mark Poticny as Generic Christmas Movie Man
Being born and raised in Savannah Ga, Mark Louis Poticny has had his fair share of music exposure, usually from behind the scenes. Having studied music at Armstrong State University as a percussion major, he used his talents to play in several musical productions around Savannah, including Spamalot, The Little Mermaid, Pippin, Rocky Horror and many, many more. Mark is a security guard at Club One and in his free time enjoys playing video games, napping and spending time with friends and family. He is ecstatic to be sharing the stage for the very first time with his Savannah Cabaret family and also, EVER!
Sallie Just Sallie as Ginger Bread
Chris Stanley as Dash Ingtrudasno
A graduate of SCAD (BFA – Media and Performing Arts, 2005), Christopher Stanley has been involved in Savannah’s local theatre community since returning to the city in 2009, working with companies like The Bay Street Theatre and The Collective Face Theatre Ensemble. Notable performances include Roger in Rent (2012), Nicky in Avenue Q (2012), Mendel in Falsettos (2013), and Claude in Hair (2019). Chris has also directed shows like An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein (2011), Hedwig & The Angry Inch (2013), and The Last Five Years (2015, co-director with Jinhi Soucy Rand) and records and performs original music under the name Topher Cronin.
Val Zielger as Carol Christmas
Written, Directed, & Produced by Rick Garman
Rick Garman grew up in Iowa but moved to Los Angeles as soon as he was old enough to be sure that his parents couldn’t send a sheriff to bring him back. He studied theater at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and made his writing debut with a stage production 17 Days which was produced in Los Angeles and in small theaters around the country. His second play Mountains won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Los Angeles Theater Production. Rick has published several novels including three volumes of the Savannah-set Interitas series and has written or produced more than three dozen movies for the Hallmark Channel and other networks including A Shoe Addict’s Christmas starring Candace Cameron Bure, Luke Macfarlane, and Jean Smart; Valentine in the Vineyard starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Brendan Penny; and Christmas at Pemberley Manor starring Jessica Lowndes and Michael Rady. He currently resides in Savannah and is thrilled to be producing the Savannah Cabaret.
UPCOMING SAVANNAH CABARET SHOWS
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UPCOMING LIVE THEATER IN SAVANNAH
- Bay Street Theatre – Check the website for upcoming productions
- Savannah Repertory Theatre – New season starts spring 2024; check the website for details
- The Savannah Theatre – A Christmas Tradition through December 24; Rewind, Hits from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s December 28-31; other shows ongoing, check the website
- Savannah Children’s Theater – Check the website for upcoming productions
- Savannah Stage Company – Check the website for upcoming productions
- The Hive Rep – Check the website for upcoming productions
- Odd Lot Improv – ongoing shows
- Front Porch Improv – weekly shows
- Tybee Post Theater – ongoing shows
- Savannah Sweet Tease Burlesque – monthly shows
- Tied and Tasseled Burlesque – monthly shows
- House of Gunt – monthly shows