WT Productions’ holiday tradition shines on with ‘Seasonal Stars’

Traditions are often thought of as something that you can count on. They’re special events, often during holidays, that happen each year. They provide an expected sense of normalcy for people.

When it comes to WT Productions’ yearly “Seasonal” show tradition, now in its eighth year, the first two characteristics certainly apply, but these productions are full of unexpected content; it definitely isn’t your normal Christmas show.

The same can be said of “Seasonal Stars,” which runs for four performances only between Dec. 6-14 at The Bit Theater.

“Seasonal Stars” is a new collection of six short plays that takes Christmas and the winter holidays and looks at them from different perspectives. Each play tells a different story and elements of the first five plays come together in the finale in the traditional “Seasonal” style. “Seasonal Stars” blends light comedy, dark comedy, and drama to put a unique spin on this traditional time of year.

The production is written, produced, and directed by Debbi Dennison (Streamwood) and Carl Zeitler (Glen Ellyn). The cast features Antonia Arellano (West Chicago), Elliot Brtva (Hoffman Estates), Michael Bruce (Arlington Heights), Dennison, Kim Green (South Elgin), Debbie Roberts (Lockport), Kate Roberts (Lockport), Zeitler, and Troy & Roy (their hometown remains a mystery).

“Seasonal Stars” continues the “Seasonal” series, which began in 2017 at Vero Voce Theater in St. Charles. The first production was “Seasonal Ties,” followed by “Seasonal Bows,” “Seasonal Wraps,” “Seasonal Tags,” “Seasonal Bags,” “Seasonal Gifts,” and “Seasonal Lights.”

All of those productions were written, produced, and directed by Dennison and Zeitler, who are the co-founders of WT Productions. The last three productions respectively performed at STC Theater, Marquee Youth Stage, which were both in St. Charles, and GreenMan Theatre Troupe of Elmhurst last December.

Dennison is excited by the new partnership with The Bit Theater, which typically offers improv group performances and stand-up comedians but is looking to expand into different theatrical experiences.

“My improv group Lobster Stole regularly performs there, so it’s dear to my heart and feels like home to me. The space itself is gorgeous … cozy, cabaret style seating. Yet it feels spatial enough where the audience feels like they have their own space,” Dennison said. “The Bit staff is always very welcoming. Plus, there is a bar so you can grab a cocktail during the down time of performances.

“Bit is a great match for our ‘Seasonal’ show because you will see a lot of improv influence in the writing,” he continued. “Some of our pieces can be very sketch-like too, so I think the traditional improv audience will appreciate the material, but we also appeal to regular theatergoers as well because our writing covers all genres and emotions.”

Patrick Stinson is CEO and artistic director of The Bit Theater. “We are thrilled to expand the content at the Bit to include productions like ‘Seasonal Stars.’ Partnering with WT Productions was a worthwhile venture because it aligns perfectly with our mission to foster diverse and high-quality theatrical experiences in our community. Their work is consistently excellent. Looking ahead, we plan to increase our programming across various genres, including more collaborations with local production companies, new works development, and continuing our strong improv offerings,” he said.

Brtva is one of three cast members making their “Seasonal” show debut in this production, and he was impressed with the process. "’Seasonal Stars’ takes a step out of the ordinary Hallmark tropes of happy times around the holidays and instead provides a little darker side to the holidays mixed with offbeat humor. This show is memorable with how well the stories tie together to provide a nice resolution,” he said.

Bruce is also making his debut with WT Productions and was reflective on the show. “It looks at the holidays from both light-hearted and serious perspectives. It provides an interesting look at the season using different lenses — understanding that not everyone has a similar experience during this time of year. I also find them cleverly written and really enjoy the finale that ties the different plays together,” he explained.

Dennison spoke about their signature style “Seasonal” finales. “I feel like it’s one of the things that sets us apart from other holiday shows. It’s something we stumbled upon with the first season. The audience seemed to really like the concept, so we’ve stuck with the formula. It’s always like a fun puzzle to me to figure out how to intertwine the five different stories and create a new one.”

‘Seasonal Stars’ plays

The short plays in the production start with “Cookie Clave,” written and directed by Dennison and Zeitler. This parody of the 2024 film “Conclave” deals with Santa Claus proclaiming that chocolate chip and sugar cookies are “dead to him,” so the Dean of the College of Christmas Elves has convened a Cookie Clave to find a replacement.

The second play is “Chicken & Stars,” written and directed by Dennison. It’s Christmas Eve, and the holiday meat prep help hotline is about to shut down for the season until one last call comes through. Is it too late to help?

The first act ends with “Kringle, P.I.,” written and directed by Zeitler. Kris Kringle’s brother takes his role as a private investigator to the max as he deals with shady characters and a wisecracking assistant to track down the priceless Shanghai Silver Star.

The second act opens with “Our Fading Star,” written and directed by Zeitler, in which a married couple reflects back on times from the past year to cope with their daughter having left home just before the holidays.

The fifth play is “We Interrupt This Meeting,” written and directed by Dennison, where elves gather for a post-Christmas recap meeting to find out what can be improved for the next season.

The finale of the show is titled “Stars Are Misaligned” and is written and directed by Dennison and Zeitler. Several complications interfere with the planned New Year’s Eve celebration at the North Pole.

“I’m excited to see how audiences respond to this year’s material,” Zeitler said. “I really appreciate Patrick and Bit giving our independent ensemble a venue in which to perform. I am thrilled that our ensemble added three new members for this production. WT Productions always wants to keep growing with each ‘Seasonal’ show.”

Tickets

“Seasonal Stars” runs Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7 and 13-14. Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 3 p.m. The Bit Theater is located at 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive in Aurora. The phone number is (331) 248-1248. Free parking is available.

Tickets are $25 and are now on sale. You can reserve tickets at wtproductions2.weebly.com.

Tickets can also be purchased on the date of the performance by walk-in audience members, if available. With the limited run, it is recommended to purchase your tickets in advance.

“Seasonal Stars” is “Troy & Roy Recommended” and appropriate for PG-13 audiences due to language and content.

“I am always so proud of this show. A lot of hard work is put into this year after year. We literally prepare for it all year long. As soon as the holidays are over, the writing begins for me,” Dennison said. “I am proud that we have original material every year, and that it’s always different. I love that it’s quirky, but there is a lot of heart in it. Do I get burnt out at times from doing this show? Of course! But my love and pride in doing these shows overpower any negative feelings. And as long as we have stories to tell, I want to continue the ‘Seasonal’ tradition for as long as possible.”