At Town Theatre, A Christmas Carol: The Musical is more than a beloved holiday classic ~ it has become a celebration of family, togetherness and the joy of creating something magical side by side. This year’s production features several families who stepped onto the stage not just to perform, but to make memories they’ll carry long after the final bow.
For the Saviola family, sharing the stage this season has been a gift all its own. “Being part of A Christmas Carol with our family means everything to us,” they shared. “It’s a chance to create memories we’ll treasure and to celebrate the season together. We chose this show because we wanted an experience that keeps us close ~ something joyful we can enjoy and accomplish as a family.” Their words echo a sentiment felt throughout the cast: theatre becomes even more meaningful when you get to experience it with the people you love most.
For some, the experience is about stepping into something new. Kristin Rochester, always the chauffeur, was encouraged by her daughter Soren and found herself stepping onto the stage for the very first time. “My daughter asked me to audition with her, and I jumped at the chance,” she said. “She has a number of productions under her belt, and though I didn’t have experience, when your almost-13-year-old asks you to join them, you do! I instantly understood what she already knew: this is a very special place. The true gift is seeing each other on stage, enjoying our friends, and sneaking in a hug or two between scenes. I hope we have this experience many more times.”
For the Rowe family, the stage has become a place to reconnect. “Josh is back on stage doing what he loves, and performing alongside our daughters, Brooke and Mary, makes it even more meaningful,” mom Taryn shared. “With the girls having spent many years in youth theatre, the chance to be part of a main stage production, and to do so with their dad, has been unforgettable.”
Generational theatre traditions are also blooming. Mother Julie Schmidt found herself drawn back to the stage after years away ~ all thanks to her daughter Leah. “When Leah was cast in A Christmas Story three years ago, I sat in the theatre for nearly every rehearsal. I kept thinking, ‘Why am I not up there?” Leah’s involvement inspired Julie to audition again and even start taking tap lessons. Julie says, “It’s such a joy to share these rehearsal times and stage moments with her during this beautiful show. We will forever have the songs and fun memories etched into our family history.”
For parents, stepping onto the stage has also been a learning experience, where the children become the teachers. Kayla Ellingson, who is appearing alongside experienced theatre kids Carter and Scarlett, said, “As a parent, you’re always trying to teach your children. This opportunity has given my children the ability to teach me and help me grow, not only as an actor but as a mother. I will always be grateful for the memories made and the love shared.”
The sense of family at Town Theatre runs deep. Kyran Burkett, who began performing at Town in 2017, is currently sharing the stage with his twin, Karyssa, and younger sister, Gemma. In the past, he has even convinced his mom to join in a production. “Town Theatre is like a second home, and the people we rehearse and perform with are our second family. Multiple members of our family have been part of 14 productions together, and it’s always a wonderful experience to spend time doing what we love in a supportive, encouraging environment. My next show will be my 30th at Town ~ it’s been such a joy!”
For other families, involvement isn’t limited to performing. During the summer production of The Little Mermaid, Julian Harley joined the tech crew to support his daughter, Kylie. “I had no idea I would meet such a great group of people, including the cast, staff, and other tech crew members,” they said. “This keeps us coming back for more! Now, my wife Ashli and daughter Maddy also help with concessions and wherever a need arises, making this a whole-family affair.”
And then there’s Christy and Zanna Mills, a mother-daughter duo who have appeared and worked together at Town for 15 years. Their first appearance in Annie has fostered a lifetime of memories. Mom Christy said, “Zanna had so much fun that she auditioned for the next show that came along. And the next. And the next. Until 15 years later, A Christmas Carol is her 50th show. Zanna and I have done many shows together, which is always more fun for me than when we do a show that only one of us is in, although I do like being able to watch her perform. I really like for her to be in the shows I choreograph since she provides another set of eyes, ears, and ideas to help come up with the best choreography. She has pointed out many tidbits in this show that I would have otherwise missed, and I highly value her opinion when it comes to choreography.”
From seasoned performers returning to the spotlight, to first-timers bravely taking the stage with their kids, and families finding new ways to be involved behind the scenes, Town Theatre has become a place where generations connect, friendships flourish, and memories are made that last a lifetime. This holiday season, the magic of A Christmas Carol isn’t just found in the costumes, carols or snowfall ~ it’s abundant in the families who make it all come alive.
