WESTERLY — “A Celebration of Twelfth Night” — this much-loved theatrical extravaganza that was presented annually for 40 years through the creative efforts of the Chorus of Westerly but took a 10-year hiatus beginning in 2015 — returns to the George Kent Performance hall next weekend.
The post-Christmas 2025 production will be similar to performances of old, Chorus executive director Ryan Saunders said Monday evening in a telephone interview following one of the many rehearsals that have been in full swing since the Boxing Day.
“Everything’s taken up a notch,” Saunders said with a hearty laugh before stopping to describe the unique revival that will run for six performances between January 10 and 12. “We decided to think big.”
Going big even required recruiting some local luminaries into the production, which will see two big-name actors join this year’s team. Cabaret artist and singer Eden Casteel has taken on the role of the Ice Queen, while actor Christie Max Williams will be this year’s Santa Claus.
Jesters Shane and Collin Miclon – old-time show regulars – will return to the chorus stage to share their humorous physical comedy with audiences.
As with previous shows, this year’s “Twelfth Night” features a huge cast and crew of amateur and professional musicians, actors, dancers, puppeteers, jesters, choreographers and designers, as well as an army of community volunteers.
According to a statement from the choir, approximately 200 artists will bring the world of “Twelfth Night” to life, “and take audiences on a dramatic journey through a mythical land that brings light and goodness to all as we emerge from the most dark of the year.”
“When this journey is over, a celebration emerges on stage filled with merriment, music, laughter and joy,” Isobel McCullough, choir advancement associate, said in an email.
The “driving heart” of the show is a newly created dramatic script by playwright Harvey Blanchette, paired with a soaring musical score by composer John Tafone, McCullough said.
“Tafone’s new score incorporates both original music written specifically for the 2025 show, with lyrics by Elena Tafone, as well as new arrangements of ‘Twelfth Night’ favorites such as ‘Candlemas Eve’ and ‘ The Boar’s Head Carol.'”
Chorus of Westerly Music Director Andrew Howell will direct the show, working with John Tafone, who oversaw all musical arrangements.
Nicole DiMattei, artistic director of Granite Theater in Westerly, and Anthony Caporale, award-winning theater director and Off-Broadway producer, direct and choreograph the show as a team.
Alongside a cast of 80 actors (ages 3 to 70), the Chorus of Westerly Singers and Westerly High School students Dylan Tallardy and Sadie Howell in the lead roles of Jan and Gerda.
The 2025 show was inspired by an early production of “Christmas Revels,” a “theatrical weaving of traditional song, folk dance and theater,” originally created by the late John Meredith Langstaff, a noted revivalist of old music.
“For those who have never experienced it as a production, ‘A Celebration of Twelfth Night’ can be difficult to describe because it is so much more than just a play, musical or performance,” he said. McCullough said. “With the Westerly Choir and the Twelfth Night Orchestra as the sonic core, a musical and theatrical extravaganza is created on stage.”
Saunders said there were still a few tickets left, but they were selling out quickly.
“It’s tight,” Saunders warned. “Extremely tight.”