Making a Dream Come True
Ever since The Dreamland Theater closed in 2005, Nantucket residents and visitor have been speculating about what would become of the large, prominent historic structure and what would be going on inside.
Stroll Weekend, we’ll all get a glimpse of what is to come!
Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, weeks of hard work by the energetic and creative staff of The Dreamland Foundation, along with a fleet of talented volunteers, will culminate in a series of public events meant to brighten the holiday season and demonstrate the intent of the Foundation to foster the performing arts.
This weekend of song, dance, theater, and movies starts with the production The Best Holiday Show Ever at 7 pm on Friday, December 5, in Bennett Hall, 62 Centre Street. Written and produced by Jordana Fleischut, a well-known name to local theatre buffs, the musical is set in present-day Nantucket and revolves around a family who rediscovers the spirit of Christmas.
The cast includes more than 95 local residents. Fleischut was surprised at how many showed up the auditions: “We had an amazing response...and everyone who showed up is involved, whether they’re acting or part of the crew,” she explained.
Trish Collette, co-owner of Cambridge Street, is the lead. “She has an amazing voice,” said Fleischut, “she’s well-known for doing karaoke, but has never done theatre before...the karaoke helped her get over stage-fright.” Leslee Reeder, Lori Geddes, River Bennett, and Dave Provost are the other adults in the cast, and they are joined by more than 60 local children, age 6 and older. “The children are fantastic,” said Fleischut, “they’re very talented and working hard...just the other day, the youngest came up to me and asked for more lines!” Thirty more children, the Cyrus Peirce Middle School cast of Annie Junior, also appear in the show. “I think they’ll all knock it out of the park!,” Fleischut said.
The show is being mounted by Executive Director Patty Roggeveen, Producer Jordana Fleischut, and Production Manager Kelly Goode, assisted by Barrie Sanders, Denise Allen, Patrick Hehir, Tim Collette, Barbara Condon, Krissy Lendway, and Jeanne Campbell. The production crew includes Kelsey Lamb, Sarah Poor, Alex Kopko, Georgie Morley, James Roggeveen, Dylan Fleischut, Morgan Jones, Mariah Jones, and Linnie Fyfe.
Tickets are $15; $12 for students and seniors, and can be purchased at the door (while they last) or in advance at the Dreamland Office at 35 Centre Street: 508-332-4822.
Proceeds from The Best Holiday Show Ever will benefit The Dreamland Youth Initiative, started “with help and encouragement” from Annie Bissinger, described by Fleischut as “a huge supporter of youth programming.” The Initiative will help to fund future productions: Gooney Bird Greene in March and Princess & the Pea in August. A very excited Fleischut announced that they will also be doing a production of Sound of Music this summer.
Stroll Saturday, December 6, from 10 am to 4 pm, The Dreamland Foundation will be hosting Santa’s Polar Express Workshop in the Dreamland Back Lot. This holiday bazaar will feature live entertainment, refreshments, and a train for children to ride, as well as opportunities to shop, make crafts, enter a gingerbread contest, and donate to a Nantucket soldier and his battalion.
Also on Saturday, December 6, at 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm, The Dreamland Foundation will be showing a 3-D Blueray version of The Polar Express in Bennett Hall, 62 Centre Street, with tickets just $5.
“It’s amazing,” explained Fleischut, “when we talk about the Dreamland, a lot of the kids don’t really remember it, but those who do remember really miss it and the kids who don’t remember it really want a theatre in town.
“Now that things are happening, they’re all so excited to see that this could really become what they dream it could be. They’re excited to be a part of it all, and they understand that if you want something you have to work for it.”
