Santa Claus: The early years
Two years after L. Frank Baum wrote the "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," he penned another children's story, filled with fanciful characters and set in a far-off land. Only this one was about Santa Claus.
"The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus," comes to life at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, for the opening of a two-weekend run at Cutting Hall in Palatine.
The popular show returns for a third year, for the first time in an extended run, after selling out its shows the last two years.
Palatine resident Nick Izzo adapted the 1902 children's book for the stage for Theatre Nebula cast members. It features everything from stylized costumes and set designs to a sword fight.
Yet, just as in the "Wizard of Oz," Baum layers his story with social commentary, while engaging adults in the audience with his lyrical language and enchanting tale.
"Only Baum could have told Santa's tale in such rich and imaginative detail," says J. Spencer Greene, Theatre Nebula's artistic director.
"It's really a unique story," he adds. "Baum has taken all the stories of Santa -- from all around the world -- and pulled from their different cultures to create this mythical story."
In it, he tells how Santa, played here by Jon Legat of Des Plaines, was found as an infant in the enchanted Forest of Burzee by Ak, the Master Woodsman, portrayed by Chris Pantelis of Palatine.
A wood nymph named Necile, played by Melanie Stanton of Mount Prospect, claims the infant to raise him as her own, while all of the other creatures of the forest help to educate him, including fairies, gnomes and elves.
The story continues through Santa's adulthood, through his toy deliveries to children, until he becomes immortal.
Kristen Foley of Hoffman Estates directs the play, after acting in it the first two years. She's seen first-hand the warmth and holiday spirit it brings to children and their families.
"Children don't just see Santa as a once-a-year figure," Foley says. "They see him as a child, and find out who he is and where he came from.
"They also find out he has no special powers," she adds, "and that he just likes doing good things for people, and that makes it very heartwarming."
Other principals in the cast include Rachel Rosellini, Elodie Senetra, and Adam and Justin Brauer, all from Palatine, and Brendan Foley from Hoffman Estates.
Theatre Nebula officials hope to establish the show as a holiday tradition in the area, giving families another production to take in together, to compliment "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol."
"The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus," is one of three plays produced by Theatre Nebula at Cutting Hall. The nonprofit Palatine theater company aims to immerse high school students in the fine arts by involving them with professionals in their productions.
If you go
What: Theatre Nebula's production of "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus," adapted from the book by L. Frank Baum
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with shows continuing at 7 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22, and 3 p.m. matinees Dec. 22 and 23
Where: Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine
Cost: $12, $10 for students 13 and older, and seniors; and $8 for children 12 and younger
Call: (847) 359-9378 or visit www.theatrenebula.org