Hanging With The Claus

It may seem like an obvious statement, but Santa Claus is one busy man – or elf – or Saint. Even after having the opportunity to hang with him for three weeks during his run at the latest incarnation of Drifty the Snowman at Swift Creek Mill Playhouse, I’m not sure how to describe the big man. I can tell you this, he’s in constant contact with the North Pole even during the show – he’s got a phone going, the laptop humming and even with a mouthful of cookies, you know that he is large and in charge.

Everybody should get the opportunity to observe Santa up close. Aside from the fact that he made every show, never missed his cue or blew a line; he sang robustly (if not on key, but who is going to tell Santa that?), danced, and made sure to visit with every child that wanted to meet him. And those kid’s faces – you could see the love they have for that great generous spirit, and not just because of the possibility that Santa might show up at their house with some really cool presents.

Sure, there were some kids that were just after the loot, but most just wanted a hung or a hand shake, and a chance to give back a little love. On Saturdays Santa sat on his throne and listened to any child that wanted to climb up on his lap and talk, ask for gifts, and ask questions about life at the North Pole. The kids ranged in age from a few months to middle age – and they seemed to have a great time. Several families have been coming to see the annual Dirfty show for 20 years and some who were children when they started are coming back with children of their own.

I can tell you this, settling in backstage with a group of great actors and Mr. Claus made three weeks fly by and made me reevaluate how I think about Children’s Theatre. I still want to get by and see Frog and Toad at Barksdale Willow Lawn and check out some of the other offerings around town. I saw a lot of beaming children wearing the face that I wore when I was 5-6 years old and first fell in love with theatre, and maybe these shining faces will become our next generation of actors, directors, designers, or audience members.

And now that Santa and I are buddies, maybe I can occasionally get some dispatches from the north Pole and pass them along to you.

Peace of the season be with you and your family and loved ones.