Quote of the Day: from Dr. Maya Angelou’s Amazing Peace

On this platform of peace, we can create a language

To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other.

Joy Dolo, the Proprietor and storyteller, as well as amazing vocals in Theater Latte’ Da’s Christmas as the Local, thru 12/31/23. Photo: Dan Norman

Theater Latté Da is presenting their own creation Christmas at the Local again this holiday season. It’s a marvelous moment of coming together to share music and stories in the setting of an old Irish pub (gorgeous set by Benjamin Olsen, with great attention to detail). The cast members enter as the audience is settling into their seats. Soon, the music starts playing, and they’ve grabbed our attention. Cast members enter carrying instruments, sharing hugs, and soon break into song. I felt like I was part of the crowd, and oh, how I longed to play my instrument and sing along. We were invited to sing a couple times, but for the most part, we sat back and enjoyed the gorgeous voices and instrumentation of the performers. 

Quinn Shadko, Jason Hansen, and Elizabeth Reese in Christmas at the Local at Theater Latte Da, thru 12/31/23. Photo: Dan Norman

An ensemble cast creates this beautiful holiday moment with Joy Dolo, as Proprietor, leading the narration. Phinehas Bynum on keys, Spencer Chandler on accordion, Bradley Greenwald on baritone, Elizabeth Reese on flute and saxophone, Matt Riehle on guitar, mandolin and percussion, Quinn Shadko on violin. Jason Hansen is also on piano, guitar and mandolin and is the Music Director and did the orchestrations. And, of course, he can sing! They all sing solos and provide gorgeous harmonies. All the music is delightful. The first part is all singing with a little narration. The second part is the telling of “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Dylan Tomas, music composed by Cerys Matthews and Mason Neely. The third part is “The Longing for Amazing Peace” from the poem by Maya Angelou, music by Chastity Brown. Both these works would make wonderful readings as part of a family tradition around the holidays.

Phinehas Bynum, Bradley Greenwald, and Elizabeth Reese in Christmas at the Local at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 12/31/23. Photo: Dan Norman

We absolutely loved this performance. If I lived closer, I’d go again, and again. As my fellow blogger Erica (lettered in theatre) said, “It’s like a warm Christmas hug.” You can see Christmas at the Local, directed by Larissa Kokernot, co-created by Peter Rothstein, at Theater Latté Da through December 31, 2023.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Describe a tradition you enjoy at the holidays.