Home for Christmas, written by Cheyenne Dancy and directed by Katie Jones, is one of the pieces being performed in our next production, Getting Through the HoliDaze!
This virtual showing will feature short films based around holiday themes, selected from submissions by writers around the country. Directed by Jessica Johnson, Katie Jones, and Rodney Smith, and hosted by George Awad. These performances will make you laugh, make you cry, and will most certainly get you into the spirit of the season.
We reached out to the cast and playwright with a few questions about this production and to tell us a little bit about themselves.
Cheyenne Dancy (Playwright)
1. What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas. I love the joy of the season!
2. Do you relate to your character? How similar/different are you?
I relate to both Alice and George in that they built a life they love with the people they love the most.
3. What's your favorite line in the piece you're working on? Why?
“Tracks in the snow like ants on sugar.” I just love the imagery that leaves of children’s footprints up on a snowy hill.
4. What's your favorite holiday season movie or play?
A Christmas Story
5. What makes this experience special for you?
This will be the first time something I’ve written has been performed, very exciting!
6. What's your favorite winter beverage?
Hot cocoa!
7. How did you get into theatre?
I was an actor when I was a child but didn’t like being on stage. As I grew older I found more and more ways to be involved with theatre without having to be in the spotlight!
Biography
Cheyenne Dancy (Playwright) - Cheyenne Dancy will make her playwriting debut in The Magnetic Theatre’s production of Getting Through the HoliDaze with her first piece, Home for Christmas. Originally from Valdese, North Carolina, she has been a part of the Asheville area community since 2012 where she is involved with several local theatres as a photographer and graphic designer including The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville, Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville, and Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre in Mars Hill.
Pam Elder (Alice)
1. What is your favorite holiday and why?
Halloween. I like spooky things.
2. Do you relate to your character?
Yes. Reminiscing is fun
3. What's your favorite line in the piece you're working on? Why?
“As the golden hay started rising from the melting snow…” pretty image.
4. What's your favorite holiday season movie or play?
A Christmas Story
5. What are the challenges of performing for a filmed show versus a live one?
Having a camera in your face.
6. What makes this experience special for you?
Happy to be included.
7. What's your favorite winter beverage?
Mulled wine.
8. How did you get into theatre?
Auditioned for Daddy Longlegs when I was 15. Got the lead. I got the bug!
9. How is working with The Magnetic different from working with other theatres?
Seems relaxing and enjoyable.
10. Do you have any upcoming projects that we should check out?
HART theater performance in The Last Romance, summer 2021
Biography
Pam Elder (Alice) - Pam Elder has had the pleasure of performing for years in community theater in Birmingham, Alabama. On moving to Waynesville, she continues performing at the HART theater in numerous roles. In her youth, Pam studied drama in college at SMU in Dallas and at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Professionally, she is a speech-language pathologist.
John Baldwin (George)
1. What is your favorite holiday and why?
Thanksgiving. Not only does it, in normal times, mean gathering with friends and family, but it's a strong reminder every year to reflect on all the good in your life and to let others know how thankful you are for having them as a part of your life.
2. Do you relate to your character? How similar/different are you?
I relate as an old guy deeply in love with his wife and family.
3. What's your favorite line in the piece you're working on? Why?
"Falling asleep in your arms with the joy of Christmas on your face was always my favorite". It just reminds me of many Christmas eves over the years.
4. What's your favorite holiday season movie or play?
It's A Wonderful Life, hands down!
5. What are the challenges of performing for a filmed show versus a live one?
Having to keep reminding oneself of the different nuances the two require, particularly volume and facial expressions.
6. What makes this experience special for you?
First and foremost, it's getting back to work with other folks who miss doing this as much as I do.
7. What's your favorite winter beverage?
My favorite is a Scottish liqueur called Bruada. It's made with Scotch, Honey, and Sloes. Fill a shot glass and heat in the microwave for 15 seconds. Feels really great when in a winter funk. (Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey will also suffice).
8. How did you get into theatre?
Got cast in a play in 2nd Grade (doing an Irish accent) and have been doing this ever since (66 years or so).
9. How is working with The Magnetic different from working with other theatres?
I love working with people who care so much for the company that it makes you want to as well.
10. Do you have any upcoming projects that we should check out?
I will be directing "A Very Modern Marriage" (probably sometime early next year) for The Magnetic, and I will be shooting a TV pilot here in NC in the near future (details to follow).
Biography
John Baldwin (George) - This is John's 3rd appearance at The Magnetic since moving here from California in 2019, where he acted and directed for more than 20 years. "It's great to be performing again. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year".
Getting through the HoliDaze is streaming virtually from The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville, NC December 17th-19th at 7:30pm! Grab your tickets here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=119167