A South Shore holiday tradition returns next month when JM Productions presents the 20th anniversary production of “What Christmas Means to Me” on Dec. 3, 4 and 10 at The Tirrell Room in Quincy.
“We’ve played to over 10,000 guests over the years since we first did this show at the Woodward School in Quincy in 1989,” recalls JM Productions Founder, President, and Producing Director John F. McDonald Jr. “It was inspired by classic television Christmas specials – starring people like Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, The King Family, Carol Burnett and, of course, Bob Hope. It was watching those shows as a kid that shaped my own musical career. Over the years, I’ve been master of ceremonies for this show and also director, producer, and performer. I’m not sure whether or not I’ll be on stage this year, but I know whatever I do will be in the company of friends.”
In McDonald’s case, that means he will be surrounded by some of the most talented singers and dancers on the South Shore including Cheri Kelly and Marybeth Kelly of Braintree, Kathy Teevens Fitzpatrick and Kirsten Hughes of Quincy, and Sue Gavin of Halifax, with Eric Larivee as music director.
“We’ve brought together our cast from ‘Superwomen…A Musical Revue’ for this production. It is Kathy’s third time in this show. She is a splendid singer who audiences will remember from many of our musicals. Kathy was also a longtime performer at The Common Market in Quincy where she was often featured with Marybeth, who has not only done many musicals with JM Productions but has also appeared in ‘The Country Christmas Show’ at Opryland USA in Nashville. We know how much people love Christmas music so we have other terrific vocalists, too, including Sue Gavin who has performed on American Hawaii cruise lines, and Kirsten Hughes who played Ariel in the ‘Voyage of the Little Mermaid’ live show at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
“Our show also has plenty of great dance numbers, so we’re delighted to have Cheri with us. Cheri has played Peggy Sawyer in both national and European tours of ‘42nd Street’ and has appeared alongside Savion Glover in ‘The New Tap Generation: A Night of Tap’ in both New York and Boston.”
Longtime Wollaston resident McDonald says while the “What Christmas Means to Me” casts have changed over the years, what first made the musical revue popular remains as true today as it was two decades ago.
“This show is funny and sentimental, but it also has real reverence for the season. It is rich in variety thanks to great music performed by a sensational group of singers and dancers who could put even Scrooge in the Christmas spirit. People come back year after year and often tell us that we set the tone for the Christmas season. That is because our singers perform not only traditional Christmas songs like ‘Oh Holy Night’ and ‘White Christmas,’ but also some that are not so traditional. In addition, they will share their own funny and poignant holiday memories. We believe that once you’ve seen our show, you will be officially ready for Christmas.”
JM Productions will present “What Christmas Means to Me” on Dec. 3, 4, and 10 at The Tirrell Room, 254 Quarry St., Quincy. For more information about dinner-and-show and show-only ticketing options, call 800-595-4849 or go online at jmproductionspresents.com
