YARMOUTH, N.S. — A Christmas-themed show with a healthy dose of family dysfunction is being served up as part of a dinner theatre that is underway at the Rodd Grand Hotel.
‘Last Christmas’ is an original show created by Ed and Jenna Kennedy, who also perform in the show along with Crystal Porter, Kelly Bellamon and Kristen LeBlanc.
The Kennedys starting the writing and cast process over the summer. Rehearsals began in early September and the show opened in mid-November.
“It’s generally about a 4-to-6-month process between writing, casting, producing, directing and performing in the show,” Jenna Kennedy says.
Six shows took place in November and the dinner theatre continues to hit the stage on Dec. 12, 13, 20 and 21.
Tickets are $54 per person, which includes taxes and are available for sale at Eventbrite.ca, keywords: Last Christmas.
“For me, personally, the best part of performing in our shows is the fact that Ed and I met at the Grand Hotel almost 15 years ago and began doing shows here together way back then. We met at this hotel, got married here, and I don’t take for granted that we are still getting to do what we love 15 years later,” Jenna Kennedy says.
“It’s incredibly special. Performing with my husband is my favourite thing in the world and our cast becomes like a second family to us. We spend several nights a week together. We have to form relationships and a bond that’s built on trust, support and understanding, otherwise the show isn’t at its best. We lift each other up and support each other when we need it,” she adds. “Every night we get together in a huddle and say something motivational or just silly before we go on stage, but every night we always say, ‘Help each other,’ We’re in it together.”
The evening includes entertainment and a meal. The menu consists of: a spring mixed salad with strawberries, goat cheese and pecans; and a choice of Chicken Supreme with mushroom sauce, or pan fried haddock with dill sauce, or a roasted vegetable bowl. All meals come with seasonal vegetables and dessert. It is a fully licensed event.
The cast is looking forward to entertaining more people.
“On stage is where I’m most comfortable,” says Kennedy about performing with her husband and friends. “I get to take people out of their everyday worries and stressors for an evening of total silliness and entertainment. They forget about their problems just for one evening and I get to make them laugh. What could be better than that? I’m a very lucky girl.”
