Old Town Commons and Bad Puppy Productions announce Christmas Show opening

Old Town Commons and Bad Puppy Productions will present “A Partridge in a Pear Tree: A Seasonal Sequined Spectacular”. The show will run every Saturday and Sunday from November 17 through December 23. Curtain for the Saturday performances will be at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:00PM.

Following the successful run of “Roll ‘Em,” Old Town Commons and Bad Puppy Productions will present “A Partridge in a Pear Tree: A Seasonal Sequined Spectacular”. The show will run every Saturday and Sunday from November 17 through December 23. Curtain for the Saturday performances will be at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:00PM.

Welcome in the holiday season with a fun filled holiday show to put you right in the mood for eggnog and Santa. Laugh along with our rendition of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”, the timeless “Santa Baby”, and the Springsteen version of “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”. Mixed in with the fun is our very special version of “The 12 days of Christmas” which is guaranteed to have you rolling on the floor. Get a welcome dose of the Christmas Spirit with a fantastic mix of Christmas standards and the latest contemporary Holiday Songs. You will definitely come away with a smile in your heart and spring in your step.

“Our goal is to offer an antidote to stale, predictable holiday shows.” said Bad Puppy’s Artistic Director Jon Grigalunas, “We’re putting the ‘dazzle’ back into these shows—we give audiences the very best performances, featuring the brightest young talent in the Illinois Valley.” A veteran of highly successful musical revues in local and regional theatre, Grigalunas has recruited a vibrant cast including Neal Phelps, Emily Brodzik, Michael Dhesse, Katie Orsini, Mike Cerqua, Marie Batty, Brandon Czubachoski and Maggie Witzorek.

“Working with a younger cast is so energizing.” said Choreographer Ronda Grigalunas, “They are so inventive with the material, and their enthusiasm translates into their work ethic.”

“Partridge” does not depend on a rigid script or recycled material. The cast’s own sense of spontaneity drives the show far past any common clichés. Boundaries between stage and audience are lifted; the cast connects with the audience in a way that combines the holiday spirit with a festive good time.

“We’re putting unique, interactive twists on the traditions that people know and love. This way, audiences are involved, they’re excited—they’re part of the show,” says Grigalunas.

“Jim’s Formal Wear of Ottawa is graciously donating tuxedo rentals for the entire run of ‘Partridge’.” said Robin Wilson, co-owner of Old Town Commons, “This partnership gives the show a touch of class and old-school glamour, without having to recycle the same costumes year after year.”

Fresh faces, fresh music and fresh costumes will make “A Partridge in a Pear Tree” an ideal, family-oriented outing for the holiday season. Old Town Commons provides a comfortable, intimate atmosphere with full beverage service and a dessert menu for your sweet tooth.

Tickets are on sale now for all performances and are available on line at www.oldtowncommons.com or by calling 815-433-6618. Ticket prices are $21 for adults and $10 for students with a valid school ID. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Contact Old Town Commons for more information.