CLAREMONT, CA— Tinker’s Toy Shop is a family-run store that is feeling the pains of low sales. They are at the point of closing their doors- that is, until they answer a newspaper ad from Santa Claus himself, who is looking for toy makers to help with the huge supply of toys needed for his annual visit. The entire staff works hard to meet the strict criteria to be one of Santa’s chosen stores. By the end of the show, the family learns that Christmas is not just about gifts; it’s about love and understanding.
Every year, the Candlelight Pavilion produces a new Christmas Show that has been specifically written for them. For 2011, Santa’s Christmas Wish was written by Candlelight Pavilion Artistic Director John LaLonde. Santa’s Christmas Wish is set in Newton, Connecticut in 1954. Set in Tinker’s Toy Shop, three brothers, Tony, Teddy and Terry Tinker, have been left the store by their parents. Toys are both made and sold by the family. In September, 1954, an ad was placed in a local newspaper, by Santa Claus, requesting the help of toymakers. A response was sent to Santa by a worker at the toy store. Tinker’s Toy Store was one of ten chosen to compete against each other to win the spot as Santa’s preferred store. Santa Claus sends a scout, Mr. Holly, to check in on the stores and to make sure they are following his criteria. If any of the rules are broken they will be given a strike. There are five rules, if all of them are met, Santa will personally come to the store and choose one type of toy that will go out on Christmas Eve. Bring the family and see just what happens to the Tinker family and to Tinker’s Toy Shop.
Along with enjoying the wonderful story, the Candlelight Pavilion encourages you to share your Christmas memories and wishes through letters to Santa, read onstage during the performance. Remember to bring your camera to take pictures with Santa and Mama after the show!
Direction is by John LaLonde with Musical Direction created and developed by Douglas Austin, current director of Citrus Singers at Citrus College in Glendora, CA. Alison Hooper, of Centre Stage Inc., with assistance by Clinton Huff, developed and directed the choreography for Santa’s Christmas Wish.
This talented cast includes David Aldrete as Sam the Mailman, Chris Duir as Teddy Tinker, Audrey Dukes as Julie Miller, Jordan Lamoureux as Terry Tinker, Janice Lee as Aunt Judy, Nathan Lightfoot as Charlie Tinker, Emily Lopez as Miss Priscilla Books, Marina Lynn Macer as Ginger Robbins, Cliff Senior as Sam the Mailman, Maclyle Thurmond as Mr. J Holly, Adam Trent as Tony Tinker. The ensemble cast includes, Frankie Marrone, Alex Mendoza, Kylie Molnar, and Emily Tucker.
Santa’s Christmas Wish opens November 26th at the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater. Tickets are available by calling (909) 626-1254, ext 1. Regular ticket prices range from $48-$68 which includes both dinner and show. The Candlelight Pavilion is proud to announce its flexible payment plans to all Season ticket holders; save 10% on season tickets when you book as few as four shows. For more information regarding the 2012 season line-up and ticketing, please visit us online at www.thecpdt.com.
WHAT: “SANTA’S CHRISTMAS WISH”
WHO: Book by John LaLonde, with Music by Various Artists. Direction by John LaLonde, Musical Direction by Douglas Austin and Choreography by Allison Hooper for the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater.
WHERE: Candlelight Pavilion, 455 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711. Parking is available surrounding the theater.
WHEN: November 26th-December 27th. EXTENDED SHOWS THROUGHOUT DECEMBER. Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 6pm. Sunday evenings at 5pm. Wednesday-Sunday matinees at 11am.
PRICING: $48-$68. Ticket price includes meal, show and sales tax. Appetizers, desserts, beverages and waiter’s gratuity are additional within the theater.
RESERVATIONS: (909)626-1254 ext. 1
ONLINE RESERVATIONS: www.candlelightpavilion.com
About the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater
The production staff has worked for acclaimed companies such as Disney, and has produced shows both nationally and internationally. The Pavilion is a 299 seat house offering fine dining and theater. From cozy round tables for two up front to larger tables of eight, comfortable booths, and even private balcony rooms the Candlelight Pavilion is an elegant place to spend any evening. Dining at the Candlelight Pavilion includes waiter-served meals instead of typical dinner theater buffets. The flavorful cuisine sets a dinner theater standard of its own.