Category: Production

Production Notes

I spent over three decades as a theatre teacher and much time was spent reading scripts to consider for future production. 

I spent too much time dealing with the reality of plays being written for predominantly male casts and the reality of a large proportion of the classes and clubs being made up of non-male students.

This play was written to give larger roles to female actors, and to allow flexibility in casting. 

It is like an old muppet show where there are jokes for all.

It has a great collection of songs created by my high school buddy, Alan Marriott, and my university compatriot, writing partner and friend, Bill Allman.  (Check their bios; both are professionals in the entertainment industry, and the magic started when I was lucky enough to get them together in the same room.)

We have produced this show with professionals. I have produced it with high school kids. In all instances, it worked brilliantly. The sets can be minimal to elaborate. The costumes are readily found. 

The choreography can be as grand as you want it.  If you don’t have a professional, I suggest putting dance students to task to put that aspect together and reduce your load. 

This show was designed to be suited to the abilities of the production company, but the story and the songs will leave the audience wanting more. 

I am proud that this project was the result of bringing together some of the best professional people I know to create what I hope is a new Christmas season classic. I hope you “taste the magic”.

Cheers,

Kevin S. O’Brien

Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen ~ The Story and Characters

Mrs. Claus bakes Christmas spirit! Aided by her trusty elves, the daffy Robin and the prankster Ruprecht, Mrs. Claus bakes and delivers cookies for her extended family at the North Pole.

It is the magic of her kitchen that binds the entire magical operation together! 

But after years of toiling in Santa’s generous shadow, Mrs. Claus wants some free time to reconnect with her famous hubby. Inspired by the magic her baking can conjure in all people, she turns to New York’s MegaBake and the company’s CEO Jonathan Brooks to take over cookie production and spread her baked goods worldwide!

Assuming the woman in his office is a kind-hearted delusional with a great recipe, the workaholic Brooks sees an opportunity for gargantuan profits with the Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen brand and a revolutionary production practice! 

In Northern Lapdinavia, Brooks tours Mrs. Claus, Robin and Ruprecht through his new factory, showing off a practice he has just developed and dubbed “outsourcing”.

Cautious, but impressed, Mrs. Claus rides the train of fame and fortune right to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (where a bite of a cookie as the bell rings tells her that something has gone horribly wrong!)

Characters

Mrs. Claus – Sweet and dynamic lead character who takes action to meet challenges.

Gran Brooks – A lady seen as past her prime with still lots to give. 

Ruprecht, the Elf – A bit of a crusty character who is sidekick to Mrs. C.

Robin, the Elf – A sweet, naive counter to Ruprecht, and sidekick to Mrs. C

Jonathan Brooks, CEO, Megabake – A hardline business man with almost not enough time for family. 

Betty Brooks – A frustrated wife and mom who hopes for the best.

Andrew Brooks – Nine years old but an old soul frequently let down by his dad.

Bjorn, Lapdinavia Factory Supervisor –  “Foreign” college buddy of Mr. Brooks, a leader of his company.

Chorus, Lapdinavia Factory Workers, Citizens, Carolers and Elves – (Flexible, minimum six actors with doubling.) This works well with large groups, dance groups, with lots of potential roles for extras.

Licensing

Want to put on your own production of Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen?

Contact Bill Allman at billallman2000@yahoo.com or Kevin O’Brien at ksob1318@gmail.com for licensing details.

Silent Night Fever