Raising voices to fill food banks
By Elizabeth Yerkes / The Press
The cast of ' Harry Shopper and the Order from Phoenix'
rehearses at the Stonington COMO.
Ticket sales from the Dec. 6 musical production will benefit local food banks
and human services.
STONINGTON – Elves, reindeer, Santa, a bunch of crazy characters and
professional artists from the Connecticut Songwriters Association will once
again raise their voices in harmony to bring relief to family service
agencies in Pawcatuck, Groton and Mystic.
The Local United Network for Combating Hunger, headed by singer/songwriter
Bill Pere, will bring a full-on musical to audiences at the Stonington
Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. Since tickets can’t be
purchased at the door, said Pere, this year audiences can reserve by phone
and pick up their tickets at the Como’s doors on the night of the
performance.
Pere’s yearly production weaves together topical story lines, music in the
Harry Chapin vein, and plenty of slapstick and goofy wordplay. Almost 40
local children and adults are in the cast and crew. A singalong that starts
at 6:15 p.m. warms the audience up with special folk songs and holiday
tunes.
This year’s production tells what happens when the students of Hogwarts go
on Christmas break and Santa takes over.
“You too can learn the Retailus Exorbitum spell!” said Pere.
The Evil Wizard WaldeMart, Headmaster DoubleDoor, The Professors, and Do Nut
the Barbarian will show how Santa’s elves learn to use their Christmas
magic.
Proceeds from ticket sales and donations will benefit Southeastern
Connecticut and Rhode Island area food banks including the Pawcatuck
Neighborhood Center, the W.A.R.M. shelter, and Mystic Area Shelter and
Hospitality.
Last year, said Pere, the show raised about $ 4,000 for area human services.
Originally Published Dec 5 2008, The Westerly Sun