November 19, 2005

Travel down Memory Lane with the Taffetas in ‘A Taffeta Christmas’

And swing into the holidays with ’50s favorites!

The Tabard Theatre Company will once again present the Taffetas, back by popular demand, for an evening of seasonal songs and honeyed harmonies in “A Taffeta Christmas,” Dec. 2-17.

The Taffetas, from left to right: Rebecca Lipon (as Peggy), Vanessa Briggs (as Donna), Michelle N. Rusell (as Cheryl), and Diane Milo (as Kaye). Photo by Edmond Kwong

It’s December 1959 and The Taffetas are back home in Muncie, Ind., for their very own “first time ever” live television special on “Hometown Hoedown.” Join Peggy, Donna, Kaye and Cheryl as they sing holiday favorites and talk about the exciting adventures they’ve had in show business with celebrities and Hollywood stars since their performance on the Dumont Television Network’s “Spotlight on Music.”

Broadcast live from the Muncie Moose Lodge, the girls reprise their most popular songs, introduce new ones, and of course, throw in a seasonal sprinkling of holiday favorites. Songs like “Santa Baby,” “Marshmallow World,” “Rocking around the Christmas Tree,” “There’s no Place like Home for the Holidays” and many more, will bring a flavor of 1950’s Christmas spirit to audiences of all ages, as they are invited to be a part of the show’s Taffeta audience in dear old Muncie.

Local performers Vanessa Briggs, Diane Milo, Rebecca Lipon and Michelle N. Russell recreate the roles of the popular Taffeta sisters for The Tabard Theatre Company, in the musical directed by Nancy Kwong. Conceived and arranged by Rick Lewis, “A Tafetta Christmas” runs for three weekends at The Triton Hall Pavilion in Santa Clara.

Because of last season’s impressive sell-out of “The Taffetas,” Taffeta fans began calling Tabard for tickets in May. Tickets are going quickly and seating and performances are limited for this toe-tapping show, guaranteed to warm hearts, rekindle fond memories and bring a sparkle to the season.

In keeping with its commitment to make a difference in the community through the arts, The Tabard Theatre Company designates a local nonprofit organization to receive a portion of its concession proceeds for each production. The charity selected for “A Taffeta Christmas” is San Jose Family Shelter.

Performance dates and times are Fridays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16 at 8 p.m., Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. and Sundays, Dec. 4 and 11 at 2:30 p.m. A Thursday night show is also available on Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.

On Dec. 2, enjoy an opening night reception with cast and staff after the performance and dessert donated by Charlie’s Cheesecake Works, a Tabard Community Partner. On Dec. 10 and 16, you can meet with the cast and staff after the show for a talk-back session.

All shows will be performed at the Triton Hall Pavilion, 1900 Don Ave., near Warburton Avenue, Santa Clara, Calif. 95050 . Tickets are $22, with senior and student discounts available. Reservations strongly recommended. Call the Tabard Box Office at (408) 679-2330 or (408) 979-0231; or email tabtix@tabardtheatre.org.