Four singing sisters take a break from their national tour to return to their hometown of Muncie, Ind., for the holidays. While there, they visit a local television show to perform some ‘50s favorites and holiday classics.
That’s the premise of “A Taffeta Christmas,” which the Orchard Performing Arts Company will bring to The Lamplighter Restaurant near Delmont from Nov. 19-22.
The dinner theater production is a sequel to “The Taffetas,” which found the aspiring stars singing ‘50s girl group hits in a bid to make it onto national television.
The OPAC holiday production stars Katie Aiello McCusker of North Huntingdon, Leyna Wright of Greensburg and Autumn Hadbavny and Katie Kerr Springer, both of Pittsburgh.
“These girls are really worth coming to see,” said director Tina Lepidi Stewart. “Their voices blending together are perfection. That alone is worth the price of admission.”
Another thing that makes the show noteworthy, she said, is that this is one of the first ventures back into live theater for area groups, following covid-19 restrictions — and anyone can enjoy it.
“It’s a jukebox musical, so there is a lot of ‘50s pop music, along with the carols,” Lepidi Stewart said. “It’s very lighthearted and appropriate for all ages.”
Among seasonal favorites theater-goers will hear are “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”
OPAC has staged the original “Taffetas,” but this is its first time for the holiday show.
“We’re very excited to be one of the first companies in the area to bring back a live show,” said Aiello McCusker, who plays the oldest sister, Kay. “I do love singing this music; it’s such a happy show.
“The challenge is in the very tight harmonies,” she added. “We’ve been working hard to make sure we blend well, and we’ve formed a very close bond doing it.”
OPAC brings the production to The Lamplighter in the wake of the closing of Apple Hill Playhouse, its longtime home stage.
“Tina said, ‘The barn might be closed, but Christmas is not canceled,’” said Hadbavny, who plays the role of the “very sweet, very funny” youngest sister, Donna.
Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19-21, with showtime at 7:30 p.m. The Nov. 22 matinee meal will be served at 1 p.m., with the show following at 2 p.m. Doors open a half-hour before dinner. Cash bar will be available.
Tickets are $40, or $30 for show only.
For reservations, call 724-468-4545 or visit thelamplighterdelmont.com.
