The charming holiday show “Magic Flowers” will return to Studio;Space in Somers Point for a four-weekend run from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
“Magic Flowers” is a short and sweet, 30-minute play by Cape May playwright Bill Sterritt that has become an annual theatrical tradition for Atlantic and Cape May county audiences along the lines of the “Nutcracker” ballet or the musical “A Christmas Carol” based on Charles Dickens’ novella.
Co-workers in an advertising agency, Ethel and Ralph, seem to have nothing in common outside of the office. Ralph, portrayed by Dave Polgar, is popular, while Ethel, played by Evie Brandford- Altsher, prepares to spend yet another Christmas Eve alone – alone with a bottle of wine, that is. As she approaches her apartment, she buys some “magic flowers” from a homeless person who claims will bring her love.
Once home, an unexpected — but not altogether unknown — guest arrives at Ethel’s door. The “magic” comes in the form of compassion and seeing someone in a new light.
“It’s about love and moving beyond stereotypes to see someone’s real self,” said Sterritt, who makes a small cameo in the half-hour show. “The show has become a unique holiday tradition for Somers Point. It’s a quick, original holiday production to catch before you go out to shop or before your holiday happy hour.”
Local audiences may remember Brandford-Altsher and Polgar who have also performed in Sterritt’s “Calliope Rose” and “Derby Day”. Other performances for Brandford-Altsher include “Footloose,” “A Chorus Line” and “Peter and the Wolf, while Polgar has played Igor in “Frankenstein Rocks” and portrayed real-life professional football player Jim Taylor in “Lombardi.”
“The show’s themes of love and loneliness are forever – and here they are packaged in a quick, 30-minute escape from the hectic holiday season,” said Sterritt.
“Magic Flowers” runs on the following times and dates: 4 p.m. – Saturdays, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17 12:30 p.m. – Sundays, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 12, 18.
Tickets are $10 at the door (cash only) or can be purchased in advance for $12 at Eventbrite.com. Throwing a holiday get-together on Dec. 10? Stream “Magic Flowers” live for $12 at StudioSpaceSPNJ.com. More information can be found at StudioSpaceSPNJ.com or Facebook.com/spqrstagesco. Reservations can be made by emailing spqrstageco@aol.com or by calling 323-793-2153. Studio;Space is at 112 Woodland Ave. in Somers Point.
Photo credit: John Alvarez
