Press release

Mammoth Lakes, Calif. –Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre presents a staged presentation of a new work in progress by successful playwright Phil Olson, “A Nice Family Christmas,” directed by MLRT Artistic Director Shira Dubrovner at 7 pm on Saturday, March 26.

Olson returns to Mammoth to share this latest project like he did three years ago with “Mom’s Gift”—a show that was later successfully produced in Los Angeles. This free presentation is presented by a talented cast of locals and L.A.-based actress Hersha Parady, who was regular on Little House on the Prairie as Alice Garvey.

Olson, of “Don’t Hug me,” “Don’t Hug Me, I’m Pregnant,” and “A Nice Family Gathering” fame, seeks feedback from audience after the performance. This is Olson’s eighth reading he has conducted around the country, with publication eminent later in the year; his goal is have this play be the most accessible, best and funniest new holiday-themed play in the market.

“Phil, a friend from the LA Theatre where we met, is sharing this with us because his plays not only show in Los Angeles but many small town community theaters across America,” said Dubrovner.  “Mammoth is representative of those kinds of communities. He also had a lot of fun meeting locals and soaking up all that Mammoth has to offer when he was here in 2013. Phil is open-minded and eager to hear feedback from audience members. At MLRT, we love the idea of sharing the creative process and have made an annual staged reading a staple in our seasons.”

The staged reading takes place on the Edison Stage one night only, Saturday, March 26th at 7 pm.  The event is free of charge and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

“A Nice Family Christmas” is a comedy with heart.  It’s Christmas Eve at Helen Lundeen (Mom’s) Minneapolis apartment, three years after her husband died. An unexpected visit from crazy Uncle Bob and their outrageous Grandmother starts the evening on its wild journey.

Middle son, Carl, has been charged to write an article for his newspaper about Christmas with his family, or he’s fired. The problem is, he doesn’t have his family’s consent. One by one, we learn of each family member’s secrets, problems and dysfunctions, and when they learn that Carl is writing an article with some very personal family information, the fruitcake hits the fan.

The question is, will the magic of Christmas bring them back together? Laughs follow laughs as Mom tries to get everyone’s life back on track, including her own.

For more information, visit www.MammothLakesRepertoryTheatre.org.

The Mammoth Lakes Foundation offers free education (books and tuition) to any Mono County resident and/or high school graduate who pursues an AA degree at Cerro Coso Community College and provides year-round theatre programming at Edison Theatre. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact the Foundation at (760) 934-3781 or visit MammothLakesFoundation.org. Our nonprofit work is only possible through your generosity.

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