Casino Theatre's Hometown Christmas returns, celebrates 25 years
After two seasons without, the holiday spirit returns to the stage at the Casino Theatre in Vandergrift.
The annual Hometown Christmas show was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the covid-19 pandemic. This season, the production celebrates its 25th anniversary with “Our 25th Magical Lyrical Annual Miracle, Going Home.”
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
For cast member Joanne Zboran, who has performed in every show, Hometown Christmas is like “coming home.”
“I look forward to it every year, and seeing and catching up with my Hometown Christmas family,” she said. “It always feels like a family that has gotten back together again after an extended separation. Even the first-timers get caught up in the family vibe and return.”
After being involved with Hometown Christmas since its inception, producer Patti Donghia Albert considers the show her “baby.”
“I’m so happy for what it has come to mean in the community,” Albert said.
Albert’s husband, Dan, and her three daughters perform in the production. The cast of 49 is made up of adults and children. All but the band are volunteers.
The pit orchestra includes a conductor and 11 musicians.
This year’s show theme, “Going Home,” includes favorite songs from audiences over the past 25 years, dances and skits that tell a story about this holiday season.
“This year is especially magical because we have several families who have multiple members performing together in the show,” said Janice Oberdorf, treasurer and volunteer of the nonprofit Casino Theatre Restoration and Management.
Casino Theatre board member Brady Bottegal has served as technical director for 20 years.
He said the production always brings new thespians onstage.
“Hometown Christmas is the central part of our event calendar. We’ve made a lot of friends through this show, and we always welcome new faces,” Bottegal said.
The Casino Theatre is the oldest operating freestanding theater in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Anthony Ferrante, its board president, praised Albert’s ongoing dedication to the show.
“The Casino Theatre is extremely privileged to have Patti’s commitment to the theater and this show,” Ferrante said. “This production serves as a major fundraiser for the theater, and everyone on the board appreciates her continued support.”
Return performer Marty Fennell described himself as a young buck when he began performing decades ago.
He still gets a thrill from acting onstage.
“I’ve watched many young people grow up from toddlers to adulthood. For this, I’m forever thankful. Also, looking down from the stage of the historic Casino Theatre into the eyes of all the patrons continues to warm my heart.”
Tickets can be purchased at casinotheatre.org.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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