Music On Stage combines music genres for new production

You never really think about Santa and Mrs. Claus ever having a tiff.

However, in Music on Stage's production, "Christmas Music On Stage," that is exactly what happens.

"We look in on Santa and Mrs. Claus on Nov. 30, 2007, as they decorate the tree and prepare for the holidays. They are having a disagreement about music. Santa likes holiday music and Mrs. Claus like Broadway music," said Kathy Pazdioch, chairwoman of Music On Stage.

Pazdioch and Joel Bonnan of Arlington Heights narrate the story. The play starts with Santa singing "We Need a Little Christmas," not realizing that the holiday classic is from the Broadway show "Mame."

"This free show is kind of a thank you to our patrons for the past 50 years," said Kristin Reiner, vice chairwoman of marketing for the nonprofit community theater group, which is now based in Palatine.

"Normally, we do Broadway musicals, but this is an original story we wrote with Broadway songs worked into it."

Indeed, there are tons of songs from the Great White Way, including "Anything You Can Do" from "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Someone to Watch Over Me" from "Crazy for You."

Dance troupes make the holiday favorites come alive. Midwest Dance Arts Dancers of Palatine perform to "The Winter Wonderland Suite," and dancers from the Palatine Park District take on "Let it Snow."

As a couple from Borne2Dance dances to "The Christmas Waltz," Bill and Alice Brown from Arlington Heights sing the lyrics.

A seasonal sing-along and the song "White Christmas," which is now a Broadway musical, end the show. Realizing the cross-overs with holiday and Broadway music, both Santa and Mrs. Claus are once again happy.

"I think there is an aura about Santa being the spirit of Christmas," said Daryl Schultz of Elk Grove, who portrays the jolly, old elf in the show.

"I don't go over the top, but I add a certain twist to make him believable and fun."

Music On Stage hopes combining all these different elements in dramatic form will make for an exciting evening. Based on the results of their 2005 production, it just might.

"We did a show like this two years ago called 'Holiday Extravaganza,' " Reiner said. "We had almost 400 attend and raised about $1,000."

If you go

What: Music On Stage's production, "Christmas Music on Stage"

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine

Cost: Free; donations encouraged

Details: (847) 289-4419 or visit www.musiconstage.org