BETC rolls out a world premiere comedy for the holidays
Boulder Ensemble Theater Company’s (BETC) world premiere of the four-person play Holly, Alaska is quirky and comical with a sense of community that’s downright heart-warming.
The “Holly Daze Spectacular!” is an annual holiday show kept alive for 119 years by community theatre actors in the small town of Holly, Alaska. A small band of determined players is attempting to keep this tradition alive for one more year to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Achieving this status would place them above reproach with their rival town of Ivy, making Holly clearly the best town in Alaska.
In the past, each performance had its share of difficulties, but this year a perfect storm of factors — “Bob” the moose, extremely high hopes for an unforgettable show and unpredictable winter weather — challenge everyone as they approach the big night.
Written by Matt Zambrano and Frank Oden and directed by Zambrano, the play opens during the ongoing rehearsal of the actors. They practice the music — all with exceptional voices — and rehearse their goofy dance moves. Kris (Heidi Carann Snider) has led the performances each year for the past 10. She is determined to make this year’s show the most memorable as they step into the Guinness Book.
But she’s overextended herself, and as they practice, she sees that the days left before the show aren’t nearly enough to achieve what she wants. Additionally, the other actors have lives outside of the community theater and aren’t as invested as Kris.
The community actors are eccentric, funny, endearing and talented. Each one reminds me of characters you might find in the show Northern Exposure. Frank Oden’s Pat is a former UFO abductee who works for the postal service. He can play a mean piano and has a binder full of unique songs he’s written and not afraid to share with anyone.
Charlie, played by Susannah McLeod, is an Ellen-esque park ranger whose use of malapropisms will leave you giggling — like “granny hose” for “grandiose” and “mighteous touch” for “Midas touch.” But her jaw-dropping voice and range will earn your respect.
Susannah McLeod, Heidi Carann Snider and Archer Rosenkrantz in ‘Holly, Alaska’ | Photo: Michael Ensminger Photography
Archer Rosenkrantz’s young Avery is a reluctant part of the group, forced to be involved by his helicopter mother. Beyond preparing for the show, Avery is very into puppeteering and has an online presence teaching the art of puppetry. And then there’s Snider’s Kris, a talented singer and performer, whose performance during her big break on Broadway altered her life path and led her to Holly, Alaska.
The musical numbers (directed by Oden) are catchy, homey and well done, compelling the audience to erupt into applause many times. When we finally get to see the “Holly Daze Spectacular,” the performers are endearing as they wrestle with the show’s challenges. They work together, believing in themselves and each other, and leave you with a warm-fuzzy.
Some outstanding moments include Snider’s solo performance, which is legit and believable as a woman struggling with her demons. The basketball scene(s) is so fun and just hilarious. The musical number “Impossible Things” is an earworm of a song that is also wonderfully warm. And then Rosenkrantz’s puppets add a unique and fun-loving event to the final show.
The costumes (Erin Rollman) are noteworthy, each outfit perfectly suited to the character. The set design (Matt Crane) is festive and realistic. And the sound (Grace Hamilton) and lighting (Andrew Metzroth) help bring it all together.
Holly, Alaska is funny, unique holiday comedy that left me smiling. It has something for everyone and is a great way to spend an evening out with family and friends to celebrate the season.
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