Holiday Musical with Universal Appeal

Hub Theatre premiers ’Wish List.’

Fairfax’s professional Hub Theatre has developed its own welcoming way to celebrate the holiday season. It is “Wish List,” a musical full of magical stories, heartwarming songs within a comforting atmosphere, like a warmly burning yule log.

“Wish List” will bring a wide range of family entertainment for the holiday season, from Hippopotamuses and Red Rider B.B. Guns to “Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men.” There will be something for everyone, even those who might be in a “bah humbug” mood.

The inspiration for “Wish List” was the desire “to capture our favorite parts of the holiday season. The songs and stories focus on our wants, our needs and our wishes” said Helen Pafumi, Hub Theatre’s artistic director. “We crafted the show as a mix of story and song that people are familiar with, but they will also get a taste of lesser known tales and songs.

“Our show is fashioned so that everyone can take part and be part of the production. We want the experience to be a gift for the audience,” added Pafumi. The audience will be asked to participate on some of the songs played with live music, such as Katie Jeffries on guitar.

“Holidays are to be shared; not just with family and friends, but with strangers you may pass in the street,” said “Wish List” director Kelsey Mesa. “Holidays are a universal experience; there is generosity, excitement, silliness, and joy. Sometimes there are bittersweet moments.

“We want ‘Wish List’ to capture all of the different notes of the holidays and we invite the audience to celebrate the experience with us,” said Mesa.

“I’ll be telling stories and singing songs in ‘Wish List’. These are two of my favorite things to do all year round, but especially during the holidays,” said cast member Rose McConnell. “I am one of those people who like to believe that we are our best selves at this time of year.“

For cast member Sasha Olinick “Wish List” articulates seasonal stories that “strive to build community” as well giving everyone “a better understanding of what other people experience at this time of year.”

”This is the time of year, that no matter your faith, we give more, and watch out for our fellow man more than any other time of year. Finding new ways to highlight that is a chance that we should never pass up,” said Pafumi.