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A true Christmas story

Discussion in 'Anything goes' started by HC, Dec 7, 2008.

  1. HC

    HC Well-Known Member

    As many of you know, I'm currently appearing in the Mirvish/Andrew Lloyd Webber production of “The Sound of Music” at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto.

    Thursday night's performance began as usual until the Von Trapp children made their first entrance before the audience of approximately 2,000. After a sharp entrance marching in step and lining up across the stage our youngest actress, 5-year old Nathalie suddenly began staring into the audience. She stared long enough that the children's director had made a note to discuss it with her later and then, just as suddenly focused on the stage again.

    After the scene was over she excitedly informed the other cast members “Santa Claus is in the audience! He's sitting in the second row on the stage right side!” In fact, she told stage management, crew members and anyone else nearby.

    Naturally, everyone began to look for Santa during their scenes and debate with her whether that really was Santa. It was pointed out that the man in the audience although he carried a little extra weight and had white hair and beard was not wearing a red suit. In fact, he was wearing a red striped polo shirt. She confidently pooh poohed this argument and stated with utter certainty that “Santa was wearing his casual clothes”.

    Nathalie was the consumate professional for the rest of the show until the curtain call when she waved at him with an enormous smile. Better yet, he waved back at her! Turned out, one of the Stage Managers had called the Front of House staff who approached the patron and told him the story.

    At the end of the show 'Santa' was brought backstage to meet the young actors whose excitement it must be admitted was equalled by the so-called adults of the company. He spoke with all the kids who presented him with a signed programme and a poster signed by every member of the company. I missed a lot of this momentous meeting but did hear Santa telling the kids that he brought people joy the way the kids did in every performance.

    It was a special night for Nathalie but for all of us as well. Her absolute belief in Santa Claus was infectious and we all went home feeling a little lighter in spirit.
     
  2. Sam Mills 51

    Sam Mills 51 Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the story, HC. The pick-me-up is always welcome, particularly at times like this.
     
  3. KYSportsWriter

    KYSportsWriter Well-Known Member

    That's awesome, HC.
     
  4. Diabeetus

    Diabeetus Active Member

    Thanks for sharing, HC. I need to read more stories like it to get in the spirit of things.
     
  5. spnited

    spnited Active Member

    That is an absolutely fantastic story, HC. You were lucky to be part of it.
     
  6. CentralIllinoisan

    CentralIllinoisan Active Member

    Great story, HC.

    And ... "programme"

    I love Canada. :D
     
  7. Cadet

    Cadet Guest

    Awww, that's so cute!
     
  8. Huggy

    Huggy Well-Known Member

    Great story, HC, thanks for sharing. Huggy Jr. just read it and thought it was very cool.

    Loved how you cut that NASCAR-type promo in the first 'graph! Good seats still available! :)
     
  9. JakeandElwood

    JakeandElwood Well-Known Member

    Cool stuff.
     
  10. Double J

    Double J Active Member

    Very, very, VERY cool story. :)
     
  11. KG

    KG Active Member

    That was such an awesome story. Thanks for sharing!
     
  12. HC

    HC Well-Known Member

    The really fun part of the story is that Nathalie is Jewish. Santa knows no boundaries. :)
     
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