by Diana Goldammer

“Fruitcakes” is a Divine Christmas Treat

Go get your tickets now – you won’t want to miss this delightful, quirky Christmas treat.

Full disclosure: my daughter plays Meridith in the play, and I was rather nervous when the curtain opened.

Director Cat Erickson to the rescue: “Fruitcakes” was a delightful Christmas show that put a smile on my face and put warm fuzzies back in my holiday spirit.  I found myself thinking this show was much like a cross between Christmas and “Steel Magnolias” – just the right combination of surprises, laughter and warmth.

Warren Clark shares the spotlight with Jesse DeVries, a veteran ACT performer even though he’s only a high school freshman, in the two lead roles.  Clark, in his second show this season, plays Mack Morgan, the proprietor of Mack's Whirligig Emporium, currently in the business of selling Christmas trees.  Mack is a philosopher at heart, welcoming a runaway boy into the close-knit circle of the eccentric townsfolk, while allowing others to think that the boy is his grandson visiting from Atlanta.

DeVries plays Jamie, who ran away from home because he believes his father no longer cares about him.  After swiping a fruitcake (so hard, they are used for the foundation of the town hall) from sisters Miss Sarah and Miss Alice, Jamie seeks refuge in Mack's barn-like emporium.

Mack seems to know all about the boy and offers fatherly, or grandfatherly, advice about why he should return home.  After a series of events with Jamie never conceding he will do just that, the boy tells Mack he wishes he could live in McCord's Ferry.  But before he leaves, Jamie takes time to do a good deed for his new friend.

Kevin Kenkel, in his third ACT production, plays a down home boy, Beebo Dantzler, the town sheriff.

The eccentric sisters are played by newcomer Susan Duff and veteran actress Cheri Hamilton.  Miss Sarah (Duff) is the grumpy one, and Miss Alice (Hamilton) is trying to make amends for their longstanding argument.  They share a house but never speak to each other except when it's fruitcake-baking time.  Duff and Hamilton bring out the best in their characters.

Julie Gross plays Betty Jane Dantzler, the sheriff's wife and director of the annual Christmas pageant.  Gross herds the child actors through their paces, presumably on and off stage.  Between her husband’s lighting projects and the children, she has her hands full.

Cheryl Tassler, ACT veteran, appears as Mattie Sue, a do-gooder who can't keep a husband (she's had six) because she always takes care of everyone else in town first.  Devin Carey is a hoot as Skeeter, the fisherman who recites Shakespeare to lure his keepers to the top of the lake.  First-timer and stage manager Adam Elder turns up in a small role as Mack's estranged son.

Youngsters in the cast include Garrison Gross, Addy Kenkel, Bryce Erickson, Ally Goldammer, Sam Schumacher, Ellie Kenkel, Melina Thie, Jamison Gross, Kaitlin Bachmeier, Croix Erickson, Alexis Mentzel, Spencer Morgan, McKenna Mentzel, Bella Morgan and Jacob Schumacher. 

The construction crew designed an exceptional set.  A barn takes center stage with most of the action happening in front of it.  Spinning side sets are a kitchen interior where the good sisters whip up batches of fruitcakes and spiked eggnog.  On the other side of the stage is the exterior of the sheriff's house, all set for the "Grand Illumination," a big event attended by everyone in town when the switch is thrown for the Beebo’s holiday lights display.  An added touch is Buster the Holiday Hog.  Look out, Rudolph!

If you’ve almost given up on Christmas shows, shopping and wrapping, be sure to restore your Christmas spirit with this cast and crew – they’ll make you believe in Christmas angels.