Patch: Preview of Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish - The Musical
The perfect holiday gift & a new family tradition to start with loved ones, this virtual holiday theater experience will warm hearts.
By Nancy Sasso Janis, Patch Mayor
The perfect holiday gift and a new family tradition to start with loved ones, this virtual holiday theater experience will warm hearts with its reminder of the magic of wishing, hope and home this holiday season.
WATERBURY, CT - The Palace Theater is teaming up with Eleanor Management LLC to present ELEANOR'S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WISH - THE MUSICAL, a critical and commercial success in its 2019 Chicago World Premiere run, for streaming this holiday season. This opportunity is sponsored by BANK of AMERICA. Tickets for the holiday 2020 streaming and party boxes are now on sale through Based on the heartfelt book of the same name by Chicagoan Denise McGowan Tracy, the family-friendly production is recommended for all ages and will be available to stream November 27 – December 27, 2020 directly into homes for $20 per household with the special theater promo code. Adding to the fun is the availability of two immersive Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Party in a Box options, ranging in price from $45 - $60 plus shipping and handling fees. The 2020 virtual production will feature additional holiday music and the recorded opening night performance from the successful 2019 World Premiere.
"We are happy to be able to bring a bit of joy to people during what has been a tumultuous year", stated Frank Tavera Palace CEO.
Members of the press were invited to a special preview viewing of the musical on Monday.
I thoroughly enjoyed this charming original musical that was filmed on the stage in front of a live audience. (This wasn't an issue until the standing ovation because the technical aspects were very good.) The score features some hummable musical numbers accompanied by an on-stage pianist. Add to this the many wonderfully whimsical costumes (the one worn by the character Clara was my personal favorite) and spot-on vocals by a very talented cast and we have a show that children will enjoy as much as the grown-ups who love them.
Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Party in a Box choices offer additional family fun with items inspired by the production. Shipped from The North Pole's special Chicago-based distribution center, the Super Fun Sprinkle & Sparkle Box ($45) includes a softcover copy of the book that inspired the show, a 2020 Eleanor Christmas keepsake ornament, Eleanor's own stationery notepad and pencil for children to write their letters to Santa, and four (4) holiday fun hats. The Super Duper Fun Eleanor Box ($60) features all items in the Sprinkle & Sparkle Box with a hardcover book, cookie cutter with recipe card, and Twinkle's favorite reindeer ring toss game.
"Our wish is to keep the magic of the holidays sparkling in the eyes of children no matter what challenges we face this year," said Denise McGowan Tracy, executive producer. "Home has become even more important to families this year as it adds office and school to its responsibilities. And through it all, 'home' remains our safe place. A happy place filled with family and friends. And now Eleanor's wish for her home can come safely to your home for the holidays with the reminders of what is truly important. Home. Hope. Heart. And the sprinkle, sparkle, and twinkle of holiday magic. This holiday season we gather together – possibly apart – but connected by Eleanor's story of hope."
ELEANOR'S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WISH - THE MUSICAL tells the story of a rag doll named Eleanor who lives in the magical world of The North Pole. Despite her love for her family there, including Santa, Mrs. "Cookie" Claus, Clara Claus, and the elves - Twinkle, Sprinkle, and Sparkle, Eleanor's very merry Christmas wish is for a best friend and home of her own. Realizing that wishing is not enough, she writes a letter to Santa expressing her dream. The letter opens the door to answering many questions and to the journey which leads to her wish (and others) coming true.
Starring in the streamed production of ELEANOR'S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WISH - THE MUSICAL are Samantha Bonzi as Eleanor, Scott Gryder as Sprinkle, Lindsey Jane Bullen as Twinkle, Emily Rohm* as Holly/Clara, Sydney Swanson as Noelle, Erin Parker* as Mrs. "Cookie" Claus, Kim Green as Sparkle, David Turrentine* as Santa, Claire Latourette as Glimmer, and Cara Chumbley as Shimmer.
The production and design crew include Denise McGowan Tracy (Playwright/Executive Producer), Kathleen Butler-Duplessis (Music and Lyrics) Zachary L. Gray (Director), David Fiorello (Musical Director and Music Arrangements), Kehoe Designs (Scenic Design), Tatjana Radisic (Costume Design) Kevin Barthel (Wigs/Milliner/Accessories) John Kelly (Lighting Designer), Keegan Bradac (Sound Designer), and Khaki Pixley (Makeup Artist).
* Appearing through an Agreement between Eleanor Licensing, LLC and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.