Cast and audience are linked in one shared universe, an annual televised Christmas raffle, which is no small feat for announcer Ellen Loretta Fields (Claire Byrne) in “Gift of Christmas”.
This year’s edition of Feast Dinner Theatre kicks off today in Summerside, Nov. 21 in Charlottetown and Nov. 27 at the Rodd Miramichi.
Fields is kept on her heels tasked with keeping operations running smoothly, including dealing with Christopher Kristmansen Ringle (Logan Richard), the less than saintly host of "Baby It’s Cold Outside".
“I play the character, Chris Ringle, who has two different personalities that you will either love or hate. He has a few stories to tell, like the well-known Maritime broadcaster Bruce Rainnie. But, unlike Rainnie, when the cameras are down and the microphone drops, Chris changes,” says Richard.
Ringle morphs from a chirpy personality while in front of the screens and into a backstage emotionally demanding super-star that fusses over his appearance and wants to be the centre of attention.
“This character is the biggest I’ve ever played in a Feast Dinner Theatre production. I’ve been practising getting into the character by looking in the mirror and trying to portray my emotions.
That’s been tough for me because I don’t like being the bad guy,” says Richard, a 2019 East Coast Music Association nominee from Charlottetown.
But tis the season to be jolly and, with every comedic misstep, waiving raffle gift or jab, comes a heartwarming lesson.
“There is a little banter going on between the announcer and the host,” said Byrne, who is learning piano for the role.
“It wouldn’t be a true Christmas show without a little stress or distraction along the way.”
Byrne, who participated in the Island Fringe Festival this summer and graduated this year from the University of Prince Edward Island with a degree in political science, has always wanted to be involved in the Feast.
"So I’m excited to be here. I’ve been working hard in rehearsals and learning how to play new instruments.”
The cast is comprised of singers and instrumentalists who will bring a blend of tried and tested Christmas songs to the table, along with slightly less familiar yuletide tunes.
Also part of the Feast experience is a Christmas buffet consisting of a traditional turkey with all the trimmings and a dessert.
