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<\/a>Part of the reason that Johnston became interested in directing is because she has known producer Raylene J. Wall for years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was the first opportunity she extended to me to come out and work here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ensemble members range across all ages, from younger kids to adults. Before she became involved with \u201cA Christmas Cabaret,\u201d Johnston collaborated with several of the stars in the Coronado Playhouse\u2019s production of \u201cLittle Shop of Horrors,\u201d (she directed and choreographed that interpretation) including Edgar Diaz-Guitierrez, Eva Playman, and Julia Van Skike.<\/p>\n
While most members of the company haven\u2019t been involved with other Christmas stories, Skike was a featured performer in the San Diego Musical Theatre\u2019s 2016 premiere of \u201cMiracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play.\u201d<\/p>\n Johnston decided to use some of the stars from her previous show because she wanted to make sure that she worked with artists whom she respected.<\/p>\n \u201cI needed to call upon people whose talents I knew very well and could trust,\u201d Johnston said.<\/p>\n Performers sing both famous and newer songs that pay tribute to the Christmas spirit. Some of these include \u201cI Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,\u201d \u201cO Holy Night,\u201d and \u201cThe Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).\u201d<\/p>\n Following the auditions, Johnston had a good idea of the tunes that would be featured during group numbers. However, she is letting everyone pick their own solo numbers.<\/p>\n One fairly new song that Johnston had never listened to was \u201cText Me Merry Christmas,\u201d which was originally sung by a capella singing group Straight No Chaser, and Kristen Bell.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fairly new and hilarious,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n A song that is going to be an emotional part of the night is \u201cThe Christmas Shoes.\u201d Originally sung by the Christian group, NewSong, the hit melody will be performed by Diaz -Guitierrez.<\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t heard \u201cThe Christmas Shoes,\u201d it\u2019s about a man who buys a pair of shoes for a boy whose mom has terminal cancer. NewSong\u2019s single was so popular that it was adapted into a novel and a CBS television movie starring Rob Lowe.<\/p>\n There might still be a lot of rehearsal time before opening night, but Johnston has already given everyone involved some good advice.<\/p>\n \u201cShe tells us to be consistent, because every audience member deserves the exact same show,\u201d Diaz-Guitierrez said. In getting with the seasonal spirit of giving, Lamplighters is once again partnering with the San Diego Theatre Connection. An ongoing goal for the organization is to promote local charities.<\/p>\n For the upcoming event, Lamplighters will be a part of the San Diego Theatre Connection\u2019s Big Brother Big Sister Show campaign.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have invited some of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County to join us on Dec. 9,\u201d Johnston said. \u201cThey are going to sing one of the songs with us at the end.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA Christmas Cabaret\u201d will be performed at Lamplighters Community Theatre Dec. 1\u201317. For tickets or more information, visit\u00a0lamparaslamesa.com<\/a> or call 619-303-5092.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>With a gifted cast and director, the showcase promises to be a fun way for La Mesa residents to enjoy a special season. If the production is a success, this could be the beginning of an exciting new tradition.<\/p>\n