"Nuncrackers" gets a rave review!

Congrats to the "Nuncrackers" cast and crew on an awesome review in the Gainesville Sun!

"Nuncrackers" sing-along!

Here's a song from the current production of "Nuncrackers" at the Vam York. How many Christmas carols can you spot in the lyrics?

We wish you peace on earth, good will and cheer
And all good things in the coming year
May each day be merry and bright
And filled with blessings every night

The first noel was a silent night
As the shepherds watched their flock
While away in a manger a babe was born
In a wooden stable box
“What child is this?” the wise men asked
On this O holy night
T’was Jesus, savior of the world
Born to set things right
Hark the herald angels sing
Of a rose from Jesse’s stem
For unto us a child is born
In the little town of Bethlehem
Go tell it on a mountain now
Three ships come sailing in
O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum /
Glad tidings to you and your kin
I’ll be home for Christmas soon
In a winter wonderland
Sleigh bells ring and carolers sing
In the Salvation Army band
Joy to the world
The Lord has come for all
A white Christmas is guaranteed
As snowflakes start to fall
All the children are tucked into bed
Waiting for Santa Claus
While up on the roof top
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and Santa pause
Frosty the snowman is looking swell
Cause it’s 18 Fahrenheit
Merry Christmas is all there’s left to say
As we sing together tonight

Leave me a comment with how many you can spot!!! The show starts back up tonight and runs through Sunday. Don't miss it!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Nuncrackers" cast profile: Sarah Welch

Sarah Welch plays "Sister Amnesia" in her last GCP production...

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.

SW: I have been in "Jane Eyre" and "Pippin" as an ensemble member. In "Jane Eyre," I had my very own song!!

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character in "Nuncrackers."
SW: I am Sister Mary Paul, AKA Sister Amnesia. I got hit on the head with a crucifix. 'Nuff said.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
SW: Secret Santa; it is a ton of fun interacting with the audience!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite holiday tradition and why?
SW: Baking! It is not Christmas without tons of cookies and cake!

GCP Girl: How is this show different from others you've done?
SW: I have lines!

GCP Girl: What do you want everyone to know about "Nuncrackers"?
SW: It is really light-hearted and genuine. And very funny!!

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
SW: It means giving everyone the opportunity to express themselves artistically.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
SW: I am moving to NYC in January!!! So if you know anyone who needs a roommate or has a place to rent.....you know where to find me! On the stage! Well, at least until December 20th. :-)

Thanks, Sarah! We will miss you!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Nuncrackers" crew profile: Justin Slack

"Nuncrackers" music director Justin Slack gets some stage time playing the keyboard for the sisters of Mount St. Helens School!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.

JS: Recently, I have been the music and vocal director for "Jane Eyre," vocal director and keyboardist for "Peter Pan," vocal director for "Oliver!" and keyboardist for "Pippin."

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?

JS: The Julia Child of God Cooking Show.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite holiday tradition and why?

JS: Making Antipasto with my family at Christmas. It is the one dish we all chip in together on to make. Plus it is delicious.

GCP Girl: How is this show different from others you've done?

JS: The band is on stage!

GCP Girl: What do you want everyone to know about "Nuncrackers"?

JS: The show is a lot of fun and is a great way to bring in the holiday season.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?

JS: An outlet to let people in the community express themselves theatrically.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!

JS: I love getting Starbucks gift cards.

Thanks, Justin! Catch the show tonight, everyone!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Nuncrackers" Preview article!

The "Nuncrackers" Preview article is here! Opening night is tonight!!

"Nuncrackers" cast profile: Lola Hassan-Adams

"Nuncrackers" opens tomorrow night at the Vam York Theater to spread some holiday cheer! First up on Santa's list (naughty or nice? you decide!) is Lola Hassan-Adams, who plays Sister Robert Anne!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
LH: I've been doing shows at GCP since 2000 and have been everything from Random Chorus Member #5, a tree, Rizz, a queen on a power trip, and a man!

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character in "Nuncrackers."
LH: I play Sister Robert Anne from Brooklyn, New York. The street-smart, wisecracking troublemaker, NOTHING like myself at all! She is a bit rough around the edges, but has a heart of gold.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite scene in the show?
LH: MY favorite scene is Sister Julia. However, Robert Anne's favorite scene without a doubt is when she gets to have the stage during "All I want for Christmas." Performing is her lifelong dream, you realize.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite holiday tradition and why?
LH: Reading "The Night Before Christmas" to my little sister Megan. I do it every year.

GCP Girl: How is this show different from others you've done?
LH: Time and space. Doing a Christmas show, you have a longer rehearsal time, less time in the theater, and less time for an actual performance. After doing "Peter Pan" for five weeks, this two-week run should be interesting!

GCP Girl: What do you want everyone to know about "Nuncrackers"?
LH: It's a fun, warmhearted, cheesy Christmas show. Perfect for this time of year and fun for all ages.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
LH: It means SO much! To those of us in the show and people who come and see our shows. It's about new experiences, family, and local arts. It's a wonderful place to be and be a part of.

GCP Girl: Tell me something about yourself you'd like everyone to know!
LH: I am a notary AND an Ordained Minister!

So what do you think – does Lola get a gift or a lump of coal? ;-) I know what I want for the holidays...I want you to see "Nuncrackers"! Hurry and get your tickets at Book Gallery West. The show only runs for two weeks!

xo xo GCP Girl