WT Productions continues its "Seasonal" tradition at Vero Voce

First it was "Seasonal Ties." Then it was "Seasonal Bows." And now comes ... "Seasonal Wraps!"

WT Productions presents this 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 get wrapped together in the finale.

"Seasonal Wraps" blends light comedy, dark comedy, and drama to put a unique spin on this traditional time of year.

The production was written, produced, and directed by Debbi Dennison and Carl Zeitler.

The cast features Nancy Braus (Schaumburg), Jen Connon (Batavia), Steve Delaney (St. Charles), Debbi Dennison (Streamwood), Jamie Ewing (Crystal Lake), Isabella Ford (Glen Ellyn), Danny Glenn (Roselle), Valerie Meachum (Elgin), Lori Rohr (Palatine), Bruce Worthel (North Aurora), and Carl Zeitler (Glen Ellyn).

Dennison commented on audience reaction over the past three years.

"Our 'Seasonal' shows truly provide something for everyone. The audiences have been a reflection of that. We have patrons that are frequent theatregoers. And at the other end of the spectrum, we have 'untraditional' audience members in the sense that they never go see any type of theater. But yet, they have made this show a yearly tradition."

Zeitler reflected on that tradition. "It really is something people look forward to each year. It's gratifying that many repeat patrons come out and enjoy the productions. People have already been asking about this year's show."

Ford was a sophomore in high school when she was cast in "Seasonal Ties." She looked back on her experiences with the group as she is rehearsing her final show with WT Productions before she graduates this year.

"I have enjoyed getting to know such a great group of people who never fail to make me laugh. I feel really lucky to have been included and each practice was a great break from my intense study schedule," she said.

Glenn recognized how special these shows have been for him over his three years as a cast member as well as what audiences take away from these productions. "For me it's been memorable by being able to play a variety of characters in some really cool offbeat stories. I have also enjoyed meeting and working with so many talented, fun, and dedicated people. I believe the show offers audiences a chance to see some really unique stories among all of the usual holiday fare," he said.

"Seasonal Wraps" is comprised of six short plays.

"The Write Way," written and directed by Dennison, which deals with a retail customer who surprisingly discovers that it's not annoying to exchange a gift the day after Christmas.

The second play of the night is "Nine Toes," written and directed by Zeitler, and it looks at how sometimes even the "naughty" get surprise presents during the holiday season.

"Wrap Man," co-written and co-directed by Dennison and Zeitler, then focuses on the holiday hero Wrap Man and how he has a lot to contend with this Christmas.

"Christmas Rapping," written and directed by Zeitler, looks at overzealous TV talk show hosts greeting a variety of guests on their Christmas-themed episode.

"Seasonal Rivalry," written and directed by Dennison, casts an eye on two estranged sisters who hash out their differences after one arrives unexpectedly during Thanksgiving dinner.

The show's finale is "That's a Wrap!," co-written and co-directed by Dennison and Zeitler, and it features the entire cast. The saga of Wrap Man concludes as all five plays are wrapped together in WT Productions' traditional "Seasonal" style.

"Seasonal Wraps" will be performed Dec. 6-8 and 13-15 at Vero Voce Theater, 3755 E. Main St., Suite 158 in St. Charles. The play is rated PG-13 due to content and language.

Fridays and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m.; and Sunday matinees begin at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $17 or $14 for seniors and students. Free parking is available.

No ticket reservations or sales will be made over the phone. Go to wtproductions2.weebly.com for tickets and additional information.

For questions, call (630) 584-0139.

Ford had the final word on the lasting impact that working with WT Productions on these three shows has had on her. "The best part is how excited my family gets to see what creative scripts Debbi and Carl create. I will miss everything, but hopefully I can come home to see the next show," she said.