Dear Friend,

The days have grown darker and colder — and I don’t know about you, but I could use a hug. I’m ready to get lost in the warm musical embrace of folk icon John Denver in our upcoming production The Road: My Life With John Denver. Growing up, my holidays were dotted with Mr. Denver's appearance in the Muppets’ holiday special. When my fella and I made our first cross-country drive together, of course we drank in the album “Rocky Mountain High” repeatedly as we meandered through Colorado. When my first son was born, we read an illustrated version of Sunshine on My Shoulders almost nightly for a year. This legendary artist has woven his way into my pedestrian narrative, and brought sincerity and optimism along the way. Many of us have a connection to good ol’ JD’s music. Few more so than Dan Wheetman, the creator of this piece, who spent a decade touring alongside Denver – The Road marks his journey. Beyond a tribute to the late artist, Wheetman hopes we will find within this piece “a story about humans…and the stuff that comes up in a person’s life, both the crazy good and the crazy.”

Best wishes,

Marcie Bramucci
Director of Community Investment

Here’s a note from Katie Deal about what she looks forward to most:

“After spending twelve weeks together working in Milwaukee and several in Connecticut, David [Lutken] and I have become close friends. We've spent many afternoons hunched over a crossword puzzle or discussing world affairs. David is a history buff and I an avid learner, so I always look forward to what I have endearingly termed, 'history lessons with the professor.' Sam [Sherwood] and I also had a wonderful time getting to know one another while in Connecticut, so I'm absolutely thrilled to get to work with him again, as well! I adore Randy and Dan, so that's also a real treat!

I love my job as a performer, and it's especially nice when I get to create beautiful music with people I not only admire but with whom I enjoy spending time. However, my biggest anticipation is experiencing first-hand a white Christmas! As a Georgia native, I've only seen real snow (not ice) during the holidays a few times in my life. And of course, the Hootenannies are also a blast! The Hoots are the most fun way to get acclimated to a new environment and get to know your neighbors!

I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone in Malvern! It's a sweet town."

— Katie Deal, playing Penny

Subscriber Spotlight: the Nikas family

What is it about the Panto that draws you in? 

The audience participation is key. Knowing when to boo, clap, shout and talk to the actors makes the audience feel like part of the show. The humor and the originality of the music make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

You cannot have a PL Panto without __________.  

...Mark Lazar, Tom Teti and Susan McKey! (Alex)

...the messy bit! (Marianne)

...Star Wars jokes! (Cole)

...Candy! (Sophia)

Aside from the PL Panto, what other family traditions do you share?

We are all musicians, particularly brass instruments.  Every Christmas we play carols as a family quartet – honoring the tradition that Marianne’s father Bill started when she was a child.

Read the full interview with the Nikas' here.